The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-23 00:00:00

SUNDERLAND DOCK.

The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at Sun-
derland on Tuesday ; Mr. George Hudson, M.P., in the chair.
The report stated that the revenue account showed an in-
crease of gross income over the corresponding period of 1852
to the extent of 2,891/. ; making the gross re3eipts of the
past half-year amount to 9,259/. ; deducting from which
the working expenses and interest of borrowed capital
leaves 4,2411. at the disposal of the shareholders, enabling
them to declare a dividend at the rate of 31. per cent. per
annum, with a surplus of 3221. to be carried to the next half-
year. Since last meeting the Marquis of Londonderry has
constructed a line of railway between Seabam harbour anil
Ryhope; and his lordship has since determined to form a
continuation of the same line to the docks of this company,
and has entered into arrangements with the directors for
the shipment of at least from 70,000 to 80,000 chaldrons
of coals not hitherto shipped at Sunderland. To meet the
anticipated augmentations of traffic, the directors have
ordered the remaining jetties for drops to be fitted up, so
that they may be prepared to ship an increased quau-
tity of coals. When these are completed, there will be 15
drops in operation, capable of shipping 450,000 chaldrons
per annum. The directors, in pursuance of the powers given
to them by the shareholders at the extraordinary general
meeting held on the 4th of August last, have allotted 8,949
preferential shares among the proprietors, as well as to .per-
sons not holding original shares, leaving 3,051 shares un-
allotted. From the advanced state of the works of the sea-
outlet, the directors fully expect that it will be opened during
October next, by which ships will be enabled to pass in and
eut, from and to the sea, during the ensuing winter, when it
is impossible for vessels to do so from the river.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, made
a few remarks upon the great progress which had been made
in completing the works, a progress which he wished had also
been made in the dividend, though, as a large proprietor, he
had not expected more. Looking, however, at the prosperous
eondition of the shipping, and the advance that the directors
had made in the charge for the delivery of ballast, the ar-
lau° Preents they had completed with several large colliery
rS
for the shipment of the produce of their col-
lieriese
from the dock, the increase of their general traffic,
and the
prospect of a speedy opening of the southern out-
let, whi&ii
would complete one of the most extensive
marine works in the world, he thought they had laid a solid
ivat or.increased dividends, and for carrying out their
The undertakingmayfttoa snccessful issue.
holders to th SUNDERLAND drew the attention of the share.
e necessity of proceeding to erect a graving dock.
At the present ti
vessels built uponre for want of such accommodation, new
pool, Hull, and evene Wear had to be sent to Shields, Hartle-
The Cnammax .duthfar as
London to be coppered.
to make a dry dock f
directors had determined that day
forthwil2,oool.th. It was estimated to cost from
said he had also received a letter
that day from the Hetton
to ship coal in the deck. Company signifying their inten-
tionA
general conversation took
ePxlacece. upon the accounts.
Mr. Johnson complained
mnfr.thuendsoisisive law costs in pro-
curing the new bills.
rtherssing private bills
caused by the shameful fees charged inaajd • it was mainly
through the house. Mr. Johnson fu
poood
excessive manner in which the dock was
r_rartaete comp i
l r
ained of t
He consi-
ho
dered that for the town to charge a
s rePehroledeenrts..
upon the profits was to victimise the distant
The report was then adopted.
.1 dividend of 3 per cent. was declared, and the directors
I
were authorised to raise 50,0001. on loan or mortgage.
The
meeting then separated.

RAILWAY BILLS ON STANDING ORDERS,
Yesterday the Select Committee on Standing Orders came
to the following decisions
orders ought to be dispensed
Cornwall.—That the standing

with.
Irish South-Eastern. --That the standing orders ought
" not " to be dispensed with.
Bagnalstown and Wexford —That the standing orders ought
" not " to be dispensed with.
Caledonian..--It appeirs the directors of this company have
resolved to recommend a dividend on the ordinary stock of
the company for the past half-year at the rate of 3 per cent.
per annum, leaving a balance of 2,400/. for the next account.