Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-01-17 00:00:00

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM COMMITTEE.

The proceedings, resolutions, and reports of the
Gardens, Library, and Museum Commtee were read,
comprising a recommendation to levy a library and
museum rate, not exceeding one penny in the pound,
under the provisions of " The Library and Museum
Act, 1855,"
Mr. Picton moved, and Alderman Gardner seconded,
the confirmation of the reconimendation of the com-
mittee.

Alderman COOPER wished to ask upon what principle
the rate was laid ? A penny in the pound was a very
large sum of money; and, indeed, much larger than, in
his opinion, there was any necessity for. The rate ex-
tended to the out-townships, and, no doubt, produced
some £6,000 or £7,000 a year.
Mr: STrrr said a rate of one penny was a large sum ;
but when in the out-townships a. twopenny rate was
levied, he should like an explanation of the fact.
Mr. PlCTON'said Alderman Cooper had evidently not
looked at the accounts of the committee with his usual
perspicuity, for the most minute item of expenditure was
entered therein. Nearly one-third of the whole amount
of the rate was expended on the Botanic Gardens.
In reply to Mr. Stitt, he must admit that what that
gentleman had stated was a fact, but he had been
utterly astonished to find that that was so. It appeared
that in some of the out-townships the overseers laid a
twopenny rate to hand over one penny nett to the Cor-
poration. He should like to know what became of the
surplus. (Laughter.) He was informed that the sur-
plus formed a very nice little fund to pay the expenses

.of deputations to London,, and to meet little odds and
endi. (Latighter.)
Alderman HOLME asked in what position the county
magistrates would be in case of appeab against the two-
penny rate in the out-townships.
The TOWN..CLERS—.4 am not the adviser of the
county magistrates. (Laughter.)
Mr. Sam. thought the rate ought to be levied by the
servants of the Corporation, and not by the overseers.
Mr. AVISON said if the overseers levied twopence he
the pound, that was not a matter for the Corporation ~
but for the ratepayers of the out-townships, who. should
demand a proper audit of the rate.
Alderman ilintsz asked if the Council had power to
levy, under .tho. act of parliament, more than a penny in.
the pound ?
Several Voices--" No.'"
alderman Boratz,---Then we. leave been astingt.
illega
The TOWN-CeERL said the Counea, did not levy the.
rate, but they sent their precept to the- overseers of the
various out-townships, who levied the sate.
Ald.orman HOLME -Then. they do an iilegal act ?
The TowN-cuutx.—lf an illegal act is done, thsy
do it.
The proceedings were then, confirmed.
WATER CONLMIIITEE.

The proceedings of this committee ivereread.
Mr. 'HODGSON moved the confirmation of the proCeed—
ings, including a recommendation. to rescind a resolu-
tion of the Council, passed on the sth of October last,
confirming. the following: part of a, report of the Water
Committee of 28th Reptember last—" That no discount
upon thecharge for-domestic supply be allbwed for the
future upon any rental; of £l3, or upwards, ?er annum,"'
and to move, in lieu thereof—" That discount-be allowed
on tenements paying a, rent not exceeding iiT shillings
per week, or £l3 per- annum." He said, that after the
meeting with the house-owners-of 'Liverpool; the com-
mittee thought it desirable to continue the- same plan
that. was; previously in. operationi—the allowance of a
discount of 25 per cent.. on-houses-described: as above.
Mr. itktoE seconded the motion,.

Alderman CoopEa moved that discount bs•allowed to
£2O houses, on the ground that the.income of-the water
estate would-be largely,- increased..
Mr. HA:MOCK seconded the amendment.

Alderman BENNwer—Do I understand you, that if
you take off £B,OOOl a-year, you will increase your
revenue

- Alderman Coopm—Certainly. You will. get more
from the- house-ownerthan from, the tenant..

Mr.ltrx.rx supported• the amendment on the ground
that if the discount-were allowed, the landlords would
pay the rates-in advance, On the other hand, if it were
not allowed,. the landlords would throw the collection of
the rates entirely upon the Corporation, nseessitating a
staff of collectors treble the fame at present employed.
Mr. lAitziwourm supported the motion on the ground
that the limit had been fixed: with a due regard to the
income of the estate:

Mr. Picton spoke favour of the amendment, and
Mr. Ctoppey and Mr. Beloo-against it.
On a• division the amendinent was lost 3y a majority
of 28 against to 7. for.
Mr:. STEArNs said the schools at Edge- Hill were not
supplied with water for six months out of twelve,
although the rate for the supply was levied in advance.
Mr. Ronson. said he believed there were certain parts.
of Liverpool, and adjacent parts, that were so high that
they-had not the power-of sending the water in the same-
-quantity that they di& in the lower levels. The matter
should, however, be brought before the engineer, ansli
every attention• paid to it.
Mr. Caeu,ix said the schools at Bilge Hill could be.
supplied, as there was sufficient power for that purpose.
'Alderman liorzga suggeited that- all complaint would
-be remedied if the committee would construct another'
station at some more elevated- place than any of the
present stations.