Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-06-26 00:00:00

HEALTH OF THE TOWN.

The Medical Officer of Health reported that in the week
ending on last Saturday, the mortality of the borough was
unusually low, the total deaths having been 174, against
an average of 224 (corrected for increase of population)
in the corresponding week of the preceding nine years.
In the parish the deaths last week were 129, and in the
ont-townships 45. Of these last 9 were in Overton, 5 in
Kilkdale, 9 in West Derby, 20 in Toxteth-park, and 2 in
the Union Workhouse. From diseases of the Zymotic
class the deaths were 37, of which 17, or nearly one-half,
were from hooping-cough, 5 from scarlatina, 4 from typhus,
• 2 from measles, 2 from small-pox, 2 from syphilis, 2 from
diarrhcea (the average being seven). The deaths from
diseases of ihe lungs ;with consumption) were 69, being
four less than in the previous week. A mechanic, aged 28,
died from delieiunz tremens. The mean temperature of
the week was 61 1-10 degrees, more than two degree above
the average. The dew-point temperature was 17,-, degrees
below the temperature of the air, showing that the atmo-
sphere was unusually dry. _ _

The Borough Engineer, Building Surveyor, and Inspec-
tor of Nuisances reported various particulars of the opera-
tions in their several departments during the week; from
which it appeared that 116 nuisances complained of by in-
habitants had been inspected, and means taken to remedy
them, 958 houses in the unhealthiest distr cts, containing
3,187 apartments and 697 cellars, had been put under ex-
amination, with the view of improving their sanitary
condition.

Mr. Fawn stated that, in obedience to the orders of the
committee, he had furnished Mr. Rose with a plan of the
borough, with those districts distinctly marked upon it
where a codtinual supply of water is now available for the
purpose of washing the places where nightsoil is deposited,
in the process of removing middens. He also, at the
request of the 'committee, submitted a scheme whereby re-
turns c could be d lily had as to how far that part of the
contract is or is not in future carried out, and which was
approved of by the committee. Mr. Fresh also stated that
the Water Engineer was ready !o render every assistance
in his power to aid the contractor in effecting these
ablutions.

A lengthened conversation took place in reference to the
smoke nuisance, particularly as experienced at nigh.t
Mr. FRESH observed, that the nuisance which was
created at night, could alone be suppressed by the
co-operation of the police, and recommended that that
assistance should be sought for.

REMOVAL OF THE PUBLIC OFFICES TO DALE-STREET.
The following report on this subject was read :

RE P3RT.

On the 6 la August, 1856, the council determined in favour
of removinc the public offices to Dale-street; a sketch then
submitted for the erection of such offices was approved ; it
was considered de.irable that certain property comprised in a
Van which was b,fore the council should be purchased for the
purpose of these offices, and of effecting public improvements,

and the necessvy proceedings were directed to he taken for

giving effect to such detertnina.ion. The intentions of the
council having become known, through the press, to the Liver-
pool Chamber of Commerce, that body, at one of their meet-
ir,v, came to the resolution that the removal of the General
Post-office from its present situation to the locality sekeled
for the new public offices would be a great convenience to the
mercantile community of she borough, and they addre,sed a
letter to the Postmaster-General en the subject. In the
month of 'ctolier, 1856, Mr. Beaufort. the surveyor•general
to the post-office, wrote to his Worship the, Mayor, stating
that such a communication had been received, and aiking
information from the town council on the following three
points

1. Whether the Chamber of Cornme7ca, in making the
suggestio❑ to erect a new post-offiea on the sire in question,
fairly represented tha views of tht mercantile community of
Liverpool.

2. Whether the town coun.lll concurred in the proposition.
And,

3. Whether, in that event, the town council were willing to
provide the Government with land on which to erect a post-
office at the proposed site, with a frontage to Dale-street.
This letter was considered by the joint sub-committee, in
conjunction with a deputation front the Chamber of Commerce,
who were invited to meet ihem. A resolution was thereupon-
submitted to the council in D.cenaler last, which was approved
and adopted, to the effect that th t Chamber of Commerce, in
making their suregation, did fairly represent the views of the
mercantile community of Liverpool ; that the council concurred
in the proposition ;elan! than the laud could be provided, upon,
a satisfactory arrangsment being made as to terms for the same.
It was ordered that Mr. Beaufort should be apprised of the
views of the council, and that the subject should bo referred
back to the Health Committee, t, consider the terms upon
which the proposed arrangement s' ould be carried out.
In accordance with this resolution, a correspondence
(of which a copy acco-npanies this report) took place between
the town-clerk and Mr. Beaufort, with the approval of the
joint sub-committee. Subsequently, a deputation from the
Chamber of Commerce and from thejeent sub-committee had
an interview, in London, with Sir Rowland Hill, and Mr.
Wilson, of the treasury, at which the who's) question relative
to the removal of the post-office was fully discussed, and the
result of the interview appeared to be that the proposal would
be favourably regarded by the government if satisfactory terms
were named ; but as the laud which would be required was
not in hand, and as the joint sub-c immittee were not in a
position to name specific conditions, the pest-office authorities
were unable to proceed further. In the opinion of the depu-
tation, they cannot with propriety ask the Postmaster-
General to resume the negotiation until the council are
prepared to make some definite offer respecting the land.
The joint sub-committee have given their best atten-
tion to the subjects referred to them, and they consider
the proper course to be that the council should obtain authority
to take all the land required for the above put poses, and then
settle the terms for an offer to the government. The com-
mittee are advised that as regards the site required for the
corporation offices it will be necessary to obtain further powers
than the council at present possess. They have taken into
account the possibility, after the land may have been obtained,
of the government declining to effect the proposed removal,
so far as relates to their establishment ; but the joint sub-
committee feel enisfied the locality would be so much im-
proved by the other part of the scheme being carried out, that
the full value of the land intended for postal accommodation
eou'd readily he obtained from other parties, if necessary,
without any loss to the council. A plan has already been
prepared, showing the details of the contemplated alterations:
it is submitted herewith, and so far as the quantity of land to
be taken is concerned, is virtually the same as' that approved
by tl'e council on the 6th August, 1856. Under the cases
above stated, the deputation from the three committees came
to the unanimous conclusion that, in order to promote the
public health, to afford proper facilities for transacting the
public business, and to effect a great improvem;nt in a part of
the borough at present of a most objectionable character, the
detailed plan should be adopted by the council, and the
requisite directions given for carrying it into effect ; and
further, that if the present opportunity were suffered to pass,
and the land should be otherwise occupied, there is no proE-
pect of such an eligible site for the public-offices and post-
office being again attainable.
Mr. BZCKWITH moved that it be adopted, and that the
Council take steps in accordance with its recommendations.

Mr. GLADSTON.& seconded the motion. He hoped that
the question of the Town Daes would be speedily set led,
as in that event they would get on more rapidly with the
contemplated work.

Mr. J. HOLME observed that the great question for the
committee to consider. was the powers that would be
requisite to c%rry out the work, and whether they would
face the expense.

The CHAIRMAN @aid, it might be stated that, after deduct-
ing the value of the 0ft1,,e4, there would be £36 00) against
the public, which would 14E% from nine to twelve years to
pay back at a rate of 9d in the pound. The work would,
however, be most beneficial, as by it they would open a
part of the town that was at present
..szrAce. They
would also have the opportunity of offaring land for the
new Post-office ; but even if the Poet-of ice authorities
declined to avail th mselves of the offer, the valbe of the
land would be a sufficient justification to the cordmittee to
go into the speculation. Sir Thomas's-buildings, and
Crosshall-street would be widened, and the district
altogether greatly improved
Me. J. HoLwit observed that the total area of the land,
after widening Sir Thomas's-building4 and Cross hall-street,
would be 8,946 square yarls. The land required for
the Public Offices, as shown by the plan of the engineer,
was 3,746 square yards, leaving in round numbers, 5 200
square yards to be appropriated either for a PoAt-office, or
for general commercial purposes. As to the value of the
improvement, it might be judged from the fact, that in the

opinion of Dr. Duncan, it was one of the worst districts in
the town.

Mr. JOHNSON questioned whether, under any circum-
stances, the government would permit them to purchase
land for anything bordering on specnlation.
Mr. GLADSTONZ, on the other hand, doubted whether
the government would have the assurance to oppose the
town in spending its own money in any manner beneficial
to it ; when at the present moment they were
giving out of the pockets of the people at large
£50,000 to the inhabitants of Finsbury, to make a park
into which he (gr. Gladstone) ventured to say, that
neither he, nor 99 out of every 100 inhabitants of Liver-
pool would ever enter. (Cheers.)
Mr. CROSTRIVAITE supported the report, which was
unanimously adopted.

UNJUST TREATMENT OF THE LIVERPOOL SANITARY OFFICERS

BY THE GOVERNMENT.

The following report was read :

REPORT.

On the 17th of February, 1855, the Government sought
the, services of some of the Liverpool sanitary officers for the
purpose of proceeding to the army in the East, to effect sanitary
arrangements, which were required ; and Doctor Sutherland
addressed the following letter to the Mayor on the subject :
Home Office Charnherl, 8, 11,7ch.n0n,1-terrace,
Whitehall, Feb. 17, 1855.

Dear Sir,—A sanitary commission is about to proceed to
the East, and we want the aid, in a great emergency, of all
the best men we can find. Could you spare us Mr. Flesh,
with two or three assistants, and retain his appointment for
him during his absence. The duties would be thuse of his
usual inspection in Liverpool, viz., in the usual discovery and
removal of nuisances—the labour we would find there.
Please to reply by return of post, as the matter is most urgent.
I am, dear, si►, yours very respectfully,
JOHN SUTHERLAND.
To Tobin, El., Mayor of Liverpool.

On the 19th instant, the Mayor laid Dr. Sutherland's letter
before the Health Committee; and they having fully consi-
dered the subject, resolved,—', That this committee feel it to
be a ;üblic duty, under present circumstances, to give their
assent; and they do hereby assent to Mr. Fresh, and any of
his subordinates, leaving Liv.trpool, for the purpose named i❑
the letter ; and, further, that the situations of Mr. Fresh, and
his assistan's who may accompany him, be kept open until
their return." This resolu ion was duly communicated to
Dr. Sutherland, and Mr. Fresh proceeded to London that
evening. A communication was also made to Mr. Newlands,
who was then in London, asking him to aid the commission,
by selecting such officers to accompany Mr. Fresh as were, in
his opinion, best fitted for the duties. Mr. Newland there-
upon had an interview with the members of the commission
and Lord Shaftesbury, and named to them the officers whom
he thought likely to be most useful in carrying out the con-
templated work. By this time an intimation had been received
that, however willing Mr. Fresh was to place his services at
the disposal of the commission, the state of his heath would
prevent him accompanying them. In the course of the

conversation which ensued, it was stated that if the Corporation
could spare Mr. Newlands' services, the commission would
gladly avail themselves thereof. A letter was, accordingly,
written lo the Mayor, by Dr. Sutherland, which Mr. Newlands
undertook to deliver on his return to Liverpool,
On the morning following, the Mayor communicated the
substance of such letter to the Health Committee, and it was
resolved—" That the services of Mr. Newlands be placed at
the disposal of government, for the purposes named in such
letter, and that leave of absence bo granted to him accordingly ;
and, furth-r, that his situation be kept open until his return."
A discussion having arisen as to the terms on which Mr. New-
lands and the officers in Mr. Fresh's department we►e to
proceed with the sanitary commission on the public service, it
was resolved "That upon this committee paying their salary
during their absence to such persons as they might appoint,
they would, out of aoy moneys received by thorn from govern-
men', repay !ho sums so advanced." On that same evening,
Mr. Newlands and three inspectors—Messrs. Ayuesley, Freeny,
and Wilson—left Liverpool by the evening train, and on the
the following morning proceeded, by appointment, to wait on
Lord Shaftesbury and the commission.

When Lord Shaftesbury arrived, a discussion took place on
details respecting the terms ou which the Liverpool officers
were to proceed to their destinatioe. The borough engineer
explained to his lordship that he sought no profit, but only
desired to be placed in the same pecuniary condition as if he
remained at home, and ho stated the items of income of which
be would be deprived by his absence with the commission.
The increased premium required to be paid on his policy of life
assurance, that it might not be forfeited, was mentioned as an
item of expenditure, and at once arranged to be allowed. After
full discussion, Lord Shaftesbury agreed to the following
terms :—lst. That the cost of outfit and expenses of travelling
and living should be paid to Mr. Newlands and each of the
inspectors. 2nd. That Mr. Newlands should receive £lOO
per month, and an additional BUM of £lOO at the termination
of his engagement with government, which was expected to be
in three or four months. 3rd. That the inspectors should
each receive LI is pay per diem during their engagement.
The Liverpool officers were thus willing to devote to the
public service, in a time of emergency, that information and
experience they had acquired in their oficial capacity, without
any expectation of gain. They were asked to expose themselves
to risks in some respects more formidable than those encoun-
-1 tered by the army, while, unlike the case of the soldier, they
had no hop of advancement, and no allowance was mule for
the contingencies of injury or death. As civil engineer
engaged in ordinary professional business, Mr. Newland'a charge
would be £6 61, and all expenses paid. In this case it was
proposed to send him out, and pay him only half the amount
he would have been paid for ordinary business at home.
Nevertheless, actuated by a sense of public duty which over-
came all obstacles, the officers signified to Lord Slatesbury
their assent to the proposals ; but although the matter was so
urgent, and the time so short, the conditions could not be
settled without consulting Lord Panmure. This Lord Shaftes-
bury promised at once to do, and to give a final decision at
ten o'clock on the following morning. In this uncertainty it
was, of course, impossible to get the necessary articles of outfit,
or to prepare in any way their departure. Unfortunately,
however, the decision of Lord Panmure, confirming the arrange-
ment made with Lord Shaftesbury, was not communicated to
the officers till nearly four o'clock, coupled with the informa-
tion that they must proceed that same evening on their journey
to the East, by the train leaving London at eight o'clock,
Had Lord Panmure's assent to the conditions been communi-
cated to them in the morning, as agreed, there would have been
even then too little time to procure the necessary articles of
outfit in a satisfactory manner • but, diminished as that time
now was to four hours, the officers were driven to get as they
best might some indispensable articles, and to take their chance
of bring able to pick up the other necessaries in the course of
their, ourney. This precipitancy necessarily involved greater
outlay than if time had been afforded to make a deliberate and
well-regulated choice of articles, and to purchase them from
the proper makers. On the faith, then, of the arrangements
made by Lord Shaftesbury and ratified by Lord Panmure, the
officers proceeded, via Marseilles, to Constantinople—forced
to travel in the most expensive manner, not by their own wish,
but because it had been so settled. On their arrival at Con-
stantinople, Mr. Newlands made arrangements for the out-door
sanitary management of the hospitals at Scutari and "(mall,
and leaving one of the inspectors (Ur. Wilson) in charge of
those establishments, he, with Inspectors Aynesley and Freeny,
preceded the commission to the Crimea, and landed in Balaklava
on the evening of Sunday, March 18th, at five o'clock.
On the fellowires morning, at ten o'clock, the Borough
Engineer reported himself at head quarters, and had an in-
terview with Lord Raglan, at which he explained the object
of his mission, and obtained from his lordship orders for accom-
modation to be provided, and facilities to be afforded, for the
inspection of Balaklava and the Camp. Lord Raglan also gave
Mr. Newlands an order to be supplied with feed and neces-
saries by Cie Commissariat, but more than a fortnight elapsed
before any rations were supplied to him and the inspectors,
and they were forced to buy food from the ships, and at
Eadakir, at entemaus prices. On the 3rd April the Govern-
ment Commissioner arrived. From the date of the arrival of
the Liverpool officers, March 10. until their departure, they
were, except when struck down by illness, unceasingly engaged
doing all in their power, with the means at their disposal, to
effect the objects of their missions. The diary kept by them
during their stay fully explains the character of their oeera-
dons. A copy of this diary accompanies this report. All the
officers suffered from exposure to the unwholesome atmosphere
to which the nature of their duties confined them. Mr. New
lands left the Crimea, on his return homewards, on the 7th
June. He remained at Scutari to inspect the operations carried
on there by Inspector Wilson, and finally reached England on
the 29th June. Messrs. Annesley, Fieeney, and Wilson left
the Crimea subsequently to Mr. Newlands, and arrived in
L radon on the 30 li of Aueust. After the arrival of Dr.
Sutherland and Mr. Ravvlinson, in England, at a subsequent
date, the account of each of your officers was made out on the
terms and conditions agreed oa before their departure, as
already stated, and was sent to the War-office; on the 15 h
October. On the 15 h December, a copy of the following
letter was received, by way of reply :
Was-effice, 15th December, 1855.
Sir,—With respect to the letter from Mrssrs. Sutherland
and Rawlinson, of the 15th October last, transmitting accounts
of the Sanitary Commi-sion to the East up to the 30:h Sep-
tember last, in which letter, reference to you is made on the
subject. lam directed to acquaint you that, after fury con-
sidering the claims sent in on behalf of the various members of
the commission, Lord Panmure regrets that he is unable to
sanction against the 'public, in their fell extent, the charges
therein made by some of those gentlemen, especially in the
items
paw
ofoutfit and hotel expenses. ilia Lordship has no wish
any judgment as to the necessity or otherwise of each
individual ankle purchased as outfit, or on the expenses in-
curred on the journey or at hotels. lie has therefore deter-
mined that, in addition to the very liberal rates of pay allowed
to the various members, allowances for travelling exp uses,
outfit and hotel charges, field allowances shall be granted to