The Sun.
London, England, 1853-10-20 00:00:00

SWITZERLAND.

The New Zurich Gazette states that the deputa-
tion from Ticino returned to Berne on the night of
the 15th, and immediately had a conference with
the Council of State. It is rumoured that the de-
putation has induced the Federal Council to resume
negotiations with the Austrian Government.

LICENSE FOR VAUXHALL GARDENS.

Yesterday Mr. Locke applied to the magistrates at
Kingston on behalf of Mr. W. Fowler, for a license for
the Royal Gardens, Vauxhall.

Mr. Harper, who formerly practised as a solicitor at
Kennington, appeared to oppose the granting of the
license. After some discussion as to whether Mr. Har-
per could be heard, the chairman (Mr. Penrhyn) ruled
that Mr. Harper might state, upon oath, as a witness,
the grounds upon which he objected to the license being
granted.

Mr. Harper was accordingly sworn, and said that he
first objected to the lateness of the hour for the fireworks►
which were a very great nuisance on that account ; but
the principal complaint he wished to bring before the no-
tice of the Court, on the part of himself and the other •

inhabitants of the neighbourhood, was the disgraceful
scenes that took place upon the occasions when there were
bal masques at the gardens. The gardens were upon these
occasions not opened until 10 o'clock at night, and at 11
dancing commenced, and it was continued until 5 or 6
o'clock the following morning. Nearly the whole of the
women present were prostitutes, and the greater part of
them were dressed as men ; and at six or seven o'clock
in the morning they were turned out of the gardens in a
half-drunken state, when the scenes that took place in
the neighbourhood were of the most disgusting character,
so much so that no respectable female residing in the
neighbourhood could look out of the window of her
house. The consequence of this was, that the most die'
reputable persons assembled together, and the greatest
possible nuisance was created.
Mr. Jones, a surgeon living close to the gardens, gave
evidence of a similar character. He also said that hie
bell was rung at all hours of the night, and, when he
complained to the police, they told him that it was kn.'
possible for them to prevent it.
Mr.Rossitor, one of the magistrates, said that although
he did not desire in any way to prevent the legitimate
amusements of the gardens from being carried on, he felt
bound to express an opinion, from professional observa'
tion, that these bal masques were a great nuisance-
Upon the occasions when they were given, mobs of dis-
orderly persons, women dressed as men and men dressed
as women, in a drunken state, were about the neighbour-
hood, and the greatest disorder was created.
Mr. Locke said that the proprietor of the gardens'
or, rather, the trustee, for Mr. Fowler only acted in,
that capacity, had no desire to do anything calculated
to annoy the public or contrary to the wishes of the
Court. A very large sum of money, 21,0001., was in:
volved in the question, and it was, of course, an objee:
to make the Royal Gardens, which had, as the Court
was aware, now existed for 150 years, as attractive ae,
possible. If, however, the magistrates considered Or
bal masques ought to be abolished altogether from t 13.1,
country, Mr. Fowler, so far as he was concerned, would
bow to the decision, but he must say that it appeared td
him that it would be rather a hardship that they shows
do so, particularly as at another establishment of
similar kind on the other side of the water, no objeeti°
had been made to them.
The Chairman, after consulting with his colleagues,
said, it appeared to the Court that the bal masques 11:t.f
Vauxhall-gardens had been proved to be a source 'id
annoyance to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, 911
the license would only be granted upon the condition
e
that no more such entertainments should take Pet,. Two other conditions would also be attached to gran
ing the license, namely, that the fireworks should 70
go off later than eleven o'clock, and that the gardens
should be closed at three in the morning. to
Mr. Locke, on the part of Mr. Fowler, consented
these terms, and the license was then granted.

AUSTRALIAN MAIL STEAM COMPANY.--A meetly&WOf
the Australian Mail Steam Company, took place Yestee•
day, when it was agreed to reduce. the number of ur,.e
tors to seven. With regard to future operations, ht
definite information transpired, and a further ad.Plifor
went was agreed to for,the purpose of allowing tilne re.
the proposed alteration in the deed of settlement P
vioualy to the election of a new board.

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