Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-07-17 00:00:00

K 1 RKD ALE SESSIONS.

Yesterday these sessions were resumed at the Court-
house, Kirkdale. Tne Right lion. Lnrd Stanley, M.P.,
presided. The following prisoners were tried, and re-
ceived the undermentioned sentences : —Esther Whitty,
f felony, one month's imprisonment; John Lqhgo and
Henry Burchell, for stealing potatoes, three months each ;
William G. Ashton, for the sime offence, four months'
imprisonment : Thomas Brooks, for stealing a gun, three
months' imprisonment ; William kshurst, six mouths' im-
prisonment; John Crutchley, three years penal servitude;
Isabella Dickson and Doolan Welsh, twelve months' im-
-isonment ; James Gilbert, six months; John Howard
I William Hughes two, months ; Thomas Kenny,
'-a; Edward Lewis, three months; William
nnd also Thomas Spencer; James
month ; Jane

four, ,
au-
twelve ri:1011"ts,:e; - •
Smith the sa. -*as; John Taylor,
Tiylor, m' -,d John Whittaker, the same term of
Tidd, six mo,-Iths ; a.
imprisonment.
The trial of icisoners havibb
adjourned for the purpose of he irk.,
be heard this day.'

Linn concluded, the court
'-‘cr appeals, which will

MORE SMOKE COMPLAINTS.

From the frequent ceml„daints that are brought beSore,
est weekly, it is much to be
the magistrates, arising amt.
feared that they will exchh.n with the poor .and much
Monsieur J,nson come
annoyed Frenchman—`. Here);
acrain." Yesterday, under the direction of, the Health
Commit'ee, three firms were summoned, thro,igh the care-
lessnesi of their s•okers, for allowf.ng dense volumes of
block smoke to issue from the chimneyJ of their respective
manufacturies. The cases were heard before Messrs. Hey-
wood and J,flery, the presiding magistrates. Mr.
M'Glowan, who appeared as the deputy town-clerk, con—.
ducted the cases on behalf of the Health Com—
mittee, and, in opening the proceedings, said:
Your Worships, I have to bring before your notice:
two or three cases, under the Smoke Nuisance
Prevention Act. These cases have been so frequently
heard and decided upon by the bench, that it will be
useless fur ma to go into particulars, therefore I shall
merely prove the cases, and, it I do so, ask for you to
inflict a full penalty ; if you do not do so, there will be no
end of these informations. The first complaint is against
Messrs. Atkins and another, but I believe that they have
a wish to correct the same. In this and the other cases
the Health Committee have had before them four or five
notices of complaint, but have not interferred until they
have been compelled So to do, and therefore if I prove the
case 3 I must ask the bench to inflict the full penalty.
The first case called on was that of

Mf S9:B. Atkin Archer and Atkin and Co., logwood
grinders, of 25, Brook-street. Mr. M-Gowan said that in
this case there was difficulty in suppressing the smoke, as
their works was simply warming a pan, and that it was
entirely through the carelessness of their stoker that any
smoke did escape, as the works were in good order, which
be would prove. He called Mr. Wignall,,the inspetor of
smoke nuisances, appointed by the Health Committee,
who stated, in answer to Mr. M'Gowan, that, on the 2nd of
July he saw dense volumes of smoke issuing from the de-
fendant's premises, from 4.12 to 4.21 p.m., a space of nine
minutes, and that the smoke was continuos during that
time ; that the works were in such good order, that "there
was no necessity for such smoke except through the care-
lessness of the stoker, and that be had frequently !yen on
the works and showed the employers how to prevent it. In.
answer to the bench, he stated that lie had observed smoke
before, and had served them with notices on the following
dates: First notice in May 1857; second notice in May 1857;
third notice in Sane, 1857; fourth notice in July, 1857,..
Mr Atkins, who represented the firm, stated that the com-
plaints had been made under two engineers, one of whom.
was then in the employ of the Corp)ration, and the other
_ _ - -

_
had been engiged from St. Helen's; but all he could say
was, that he had done all he could t.) prevent the smoke,
and that they were about to make a window to see when._
the place smoked. Mr. Jeffery : Then you admit that it
did smoke—and yon are going to make alterations to see,
what the law says shall not be permitted. The bench are
decided in fining you 40s. and costs. The atncunt was
purl.
The second complaint was made epinqt Mr. Edward
Steele, soap boiler of Sir Thomas's Thildings. Mr.
Wignall in this case prayed that on the 4th-of July
he siw smoke issuing from the defendant's chimney from
2.13 to 2.19, and again from 4.1 to 4 7 p.m., in each case
continuously, and that he had observed the same on
other oc-asions, and had served notices on the defendants
as follows :—Fist notice served in January, 1856; second

notice in May, 1856 ; third notice in June, 1856; fourth
notice in July, 1857. In this case the defendant admitted
his offence, but alleged that the inspector was interested in
making the complaint, becanse none of his neighbours had
ever made a complaint. Mr. Jeffery : The Inspector has
no interest in the matter; so that, in my opinion, you are
wrong. Mr. Nl'Gowan : The inspector is appointed by
the Health Committee, and has no interest whatever in the
matter. The defendant : Welltsnone of my neighbours
complain, and I think that I have no right to be fined.
The Bench stated that the case was clearly proved, and
inflicted a fine of 40s. and costs.

In the third case Mr. Jos?ph Hutchin, biscuit-baker, of
St. John's-lane, was summoned for the like offence. Mr.
Inspector Wignall proved that on the 3rd of July he saw
dense volumes of black smoke issuing from the defendant's.
premises from 3 22 to 3 26, and again from 3 48 to 3 52,
continuously. In answer to the bench, he stated that he
had served four no ices—first in July, 1856; second in
August, 1856; third in March, 1857; and fourth on July,
4th, 1857. In this case the defendant alleged that he was
from home on the occasion, and did not know about it,
but that he had been told that a pipe had broke, and it
could not be avoided ; but as he did not call any witness
to prove that fact, be was fined 401. and costs.
In each of the above cases Mr. WignalL proved that
the works were in excelent order, and that there was no
necessity for the smoke, except through the carelessness of
the engineers.

THE VERDICT IN MISS SMITH'S TRIAL.--It will be in"
eresting to our readers and the public to learn (says the
_ _

Caledwiian Mercury) the numbers by which the fury
came to a decision. After deliberating, there were five
for a verdict of Guilty, and ten for one of Not Proven.

On the question of an absolute acquittal, there was nix
diversity of sentiemnt whatever.
PACK youn. THOUGHTS.—DO not; assume that becanse
you have something important to communicate it is neces—
s try to write a long article. A tremendous thought may
be picked int) a small compass—made as solid as a cannon,
ball, and, like the projectile, cut all down before it. Short,
articles are generally more effective, find more readers, and
are more widely copied than long ones. Pack your
thoughts close together, ani though your article may be
briet it will have weight, and be more likely to make an.
impression. "Ye who write for busy age:' says a late•
writer, " speak quick ; use short sentences ; never
stop the reader with a long or ambiguous. word ; but let
the stream of thought flow right on, and men will drink it
like water."

Nira.srori OUTRAGE.—We regret to state that on. Satur-
day evening, shortly after nine o'clock, as Mr. Michael
Danvir, solicitor, was walking an the Fatham Line, about
a mile and a half from this town, he WU set upon by
six fellows, who, without the slightest parley, assailed
him in the most violent manner, knocked him down, and ,
severely maltreated him. After they had abused him inr
this fashion for some time, and while ha was still on tho
ground, the ruffians Speedily decamped. Mr. Denvir was
subsequently conveyed to town, where medical aid was pro-
cured, It was found that he had sustained several injurieft,
none of thP:m, however, it is hoped, of a serious character.
As refo;',irds Mr. Den vir, no cause whatever can be assigned
fn; this outrageous attack. From his inoffensive manners,
and the unlikelihood that_ he could have made himself-

obnoxious to anyone, there is strong reason to suppose that
the assailants mistook Mr. Denvir for somebody else.
The surmise now is that the fellows were on the look-out
for a Scripture-reader, who occasionally visits this district,
and whom they expected to pass on Saturday evening,
about the same time that Mr. Dmvir hal the ill-luck to
present himself. There are grounds to justify the hope
that, at least some of the ruffians, and these the ringleaders,
will be made amenab'e to the law.—Newry Telegraph.
How ACCIDENTS 0:con IN COAL MINEi.-0a Tuesday,
at the Wakefield County Court, Joseph Ramsden brought
an action against Messrs. Mark, Carter, and Co., colliery
owners, Allerton Bywater, near Castleford, for the
recovery of £8 3s. 91, alleged to be due to him for wages,
house rent, and coal. One of the defendants, Mr. Mark
Carter, of Wakefield, said that on the 22nd of May the
plaintiff came to him with a letter, which letter contained
a notification from the men employed in the colliery, that
unless Ramsden were discharged they would strike work.
Owing to Ramsdea's inattention, a portion of one of
the old workings took fire, and a number of men in con-
sequence narrowly escaped with their lives. The found it
impossible to pass through that portion of the pit which
was on fire, and were all but suffocated, when one of the
men remembered a hole which had been made the day-
previously into one of the regular workings, and to +'
circumstance was to be attributed the safety of "
This event had so convinced the men 0e ti—
the under steward that they resolsed t-
he were not discharged.
explained this to the OP'
agreed is receive a fo-'
to him. Thid
rent awl
Wit"'

,tie men.
incapacity of
.o leave their work if
varter stated that he had
.ntiff, and he (plaintiff) had
,anight's wages, which had been paid
.as in addition to the money allowed for
coals. Ttie plaintiff, although not denying
received a fortnight's wages for doing nothing, now
sued for the whole month's wages. The plaintiff was
nousqite4.

DOCK COMMITTEE.—YgsrERDAY.

The nsual weekly meeting of this committee was held
at one o'clock yesterday in the Dock offices. Mr. Charles
Turner in the chair.

Other members pres4nt—Messrs. Rankin, Robinson,
Broeklebank, Clint, Mondel, Hubbaek, Smith, Bold,
Holden, Halhead, Llokett, J. Holme, and Littledale.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and
confirmed.

The Sub-Committee (Works) rezommended that the
tenders of Messrs Jones and Jump, to execute the wild()
work of making additions at the ends of the south I.l^.
east side of the Nelson dock, and to fence in the vacant
ground on the north and south side of Sanahill-lane ; and
of Messrs. Newton, Keats and co., for a quantity of
copper in sheets and bar, be accepted. The recommenda-
tions were confirmed.

The Sub-Committee (Harbour Master's) recommended
that an additional man be placed in charge of th 3 entrap ce
of the canal lock, Stanley dock, so as to work it night and
day—salary 275. per week. Agreed to. The Sub-Com •
mittee produced a plan for placing reverse gates in the
bridge between the Canning half-tide dock, and the
'Graving-dock basin, at an estimated cost of £7,800, and
recommended that it be carried into effect.

The CHAIR-14N thought they should first have a rep-,rt
-upon such a work, in order that they might be in a position
to discuss it.

Mr. LocKgrr observel that it 'Nal very fully discussed
About a year ag), awl that unless the work were executed
it would be imps ible to work efficiently the Clarence
dock, the Claranca half-tide basin, alld the raving
dock.

The Cilium:l.l sad they should bear in view they had
no money to execute the work.
Mr. RANars remarke that the Finance Committee
would tell them that the works they 11,-(1 to execute
would require more money T.han they cm' i I:otrrow..
The subject was then referred back to the committee to
report upon.
The CqAIRNEiN brought up the ravi,ed list of ratepayers
to the Docks. It was orderel t.) be printed in the usual
way.
This concluded the general business.

TILE CONSERVANCT Ef

Mr. SAM' begged to m4ke a few remarks before the
reporters left the room. He was, unfortunately, absent
from the committ,ee last week, but he believed after Ihe
reporters left there was a report from the solicitor real to
the committee, on the proceedings in parliament with
reference to the "Conservancy Bal." He believed, too,
that that report was adoptel, and now stood rscorded as a
resolution of the committee. He presumed he was right
in that ?
The CHATTMAN : Certainly. _ _

Mr. Small : He presumed he should be out of order if
he were to ask that day that the report should be ag tin
read, and he presumed also that he should be out of order
if he were to introduce any discussion in reference to the
matter.

The CHAIRMAN : I think sc.
. Mr. Sutra continued : He conceived that the course re-
emmended in the report was one
The CHAIRMAN: I think you we now going into par-
liamentary proceedings.
• Mr. Sutra : I believe that I am in perfect order.
The CHAMMIN : I think you are not. If you will allow
me, I will put it to the committee. We are now eiTard
in a parliamentary contest, with reference to maters of
very great concora to the borough of Liverpool. I think
a public discussion of matters connected with that parlia-
mentary contest would be mist prejudicial to the interests
of this estate, and the interests of the people of Liverpool
generally; and therefore my impression is that questions
of this kind ought to be discussed, as parliamentary always
have been discussed here, after the reporters have retired.
I consider any prolongation of this discussion would be
highly prijudicial to the interests of this estate, and the
public at large, and I put it to the committee whether it
shall be continued.

Mr. SMITU : lam not going into the disongsion on this
occasion.

The CHAIRMAN : I am not eraid of any!hing I say or
do going before the public, but I have a duty to perform
here to the public at large, and I think it would be highly
prejudicial to the interests of the estate and of the public,
that this discussion should be gone into in public.
Mr. Smyra : I know it would be irregular to go into the
merits of the question, and I wait simply to ask pia
whether I shall be in order in giving the following notice
of motion :—That on Thursday, the 23rd instant, I will
move that the resolution of this committee of the 9th
instant, adopting the report of the solicitor on the pro-
ceeding 3 in Parliament on the Mersey Conservancy Bill
be rescinde3.

The Soucrroa :It wal not my report—it was the Par-
liamentary Sub-committee's report.
The CHAIRMAN : I think you can give notice of that
motion ; but I shall consider it my duty to advise the
committee, as it refers to matters pending in Parliament,
to take the discussion in the absence of the reporters.
Mr. Hues cK : I scarcely think it is altogether fair.
The CHAIRMAN: It is according to the orders of the
Committee.

Mr. HUBBACK : This is a question interesting to the
dock ratepayer', and as we, their representatives, hAve no
other opportunity of expressing our opinions on it, which
can g 3 before the publi,, I • think it is deiirab!e that it
should be discussed while the reporters are present, unless
there is a standing order to the contrary.
Mr. BOLD: Mr. Hubblck is entirely wrong. The mem-
bers of this Board know no metre about the bill than the
public. We had a special council to discuss it when there
Was not a single reporter present.
Mr. HUMPiCK : If I find a petition in the Exchange
news-room against this bill, and parties soliciting my
signature to it, am I not in order in availing myself of
the opportunity here to express my opinion in opposition to
the bill ?
The CHAIRMAN : You ask me an abstract question, but I
will answer you. I think you are not at liberty to discuss
any question in public which may affect parliamentary pro-
ceedings in wh:ch we are eng aged, without a resolution of
the committee authorising you to do so.
Mr. Hi:BRACH : I shall then, of course, bow to the

The Cli URN tx : The report was to the offset that the
pr-eesiings of the parliamentary inquiry ohould be read in
privase, and afterwards published if the committee thought
fit.

Mr. SIIITII : And it is to that very state of things that I
object—that as an individual member when I delegate
such authority to the parliamentary committee, instantly
become a nonentity, and know nothing, and can get to
know nothing, of these proceedings. No question that I
can ak wll draw oat an explicit answer, and the public
remains in ignorance of what is going forward, except so
far as they get it through the public press. We have now
arrived at a state of things when we have a bill before
Parliament, which has passed the 110t1S3 of Commons ; and
the time has arrived when there should be an open
discussion as to what is the course that ought to be
pursued by this committee with ngard to what is for the
interests not only of this estate, but of Liverpool itself ;
and if we allow things to be conducted in secrecy and
smuggled on in this way, we are not doing our duty to the
public, and I for one will not continue to occupy a seat at
this Board if things are done in this secret, underhand
sn nner.

The CtIATILMAN: Mr. Smith uses very hard words, but I
do not think it becomes Mr. Smith to assume that all the
virtue of the committee is centered in himself. When he
talks of "secrecy" and " smugeing," I believe the majo-
ri7 of the committee will believe with me that this
discussion is most prejudicial to the estate and the public,
and particularly when couched in the language he has
used.

Mr. &vim : When you charge me with assuming that I
possess all the virtue of this committee, you do me wrong
—I assume nothing of the kind. But I occupysa seat at
this Board through the courtesy of the ratepayers to this
estate, and my duty is honestly and conscientiously to
perform or say wh itever I think is for their interest. Ido
not presume to think that my opinion is always the right
one, but whether it is right or wrong, I am certain that
it should not be put down without discussion. I differ from
you with reference to this subject in thinking that the
Parliamentary proceedings should be conducted in secrecy,
ant that it would be highly prejudicial to the interests of
this estate were it known to the public.
Mr. BROCRLICBANK rose to order.
Mr. J. notate : There is nothing known to this com-
mittee more than what can be gained by any gentleman
from Sir James Graham's report. We do not know a word
beyond what is contained in that report, and we have all a
duty to perform as well as Mr. smith has.
The CHAIRMAN : I think Mr. Smith's observations are
not called for, and that he went farther than he ought to
have done. He has, however, given his notice, and I have'
told him that it must be discussed in private, unless the
committee decide otherwise. _

Mr 7 Cl{ LEBA 7.; K 7 We have in this case deviated in no
way from the ordinary rule in regird to parliamentsay pro_
ceelk . gs, which are always discussed private.
Mr. SMITH: Ido not care whether it is discussed. in
public or private. Exclude the reporters, if you like ; but
on that resolution I intend to express my opinion, and
that is all I want.
gr. Remus observed that, as chairman of the plrlia-
40aentlry committee, he could say that every thing in
---4,4pe.e to this matter had been conducted in the usual
r.. gbq ad like to have every question discussed in
way. - fait glat it would be injurious on all occasions
public, but he
to d
uo
so.OLD moved, AVOW s §itolll4 be and doubt upon
_
. B

the matter, that Mr. Smith's motion be discussed in Cat)
absence of the reporters.
Mr. HOLDIN seconded the motion, which was cart/Ad by
a large majority, Mr. Smith, Mr. Hubback, and Mr, Mon-
dell voting against it.
The matter then dropped.