The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-04 00:00:00

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sea wall of the South Devon Railroad, and -Mr. Mar-
gary, engineer on the line, speedily proceeded to the
vessel with some of his men, two of whom, Eli Pike
and Tucker, following his example, went into the sea at
the risk of their lives, and succeeded in throwing on
board a lead, to which was attached a line and a rope.
Four of the crew tied the rope round them in succession,
and were hauled ashore ; the fifth, William Pile, of
Woodbury, unfortunately perished. The Friends (a
very old vessel) went to pieces immediately. Mr.
Mansfield, of Teignmouth, was ready with a volunteer
crew to take the lifeboat round, but she could not be
got over the bar, in consequence of the severity of the
weather.

The merchant-ship St. Hilda, Kirby, of Liverpool,
from Manilla for London, out 178 days, put into Ply-
mouth Sound last evening, with loss of main and mizen-
mast, pump disabled, and crew much exhausted. Oct.
25, spoke the Robert Stephenson, from Algoa Bay for
London ; Dec. 27, the Hudson, front Mauritius for Lon-
don, out 133 days. She reported having passed, on the
20th, a vessel with mainmast, mizentopmast, and fore-
topsail-yard gene, decks swept, and no appearance of
any one on board. January 1, passed a brigantine under
jurymasts, having lost her foremast and mainmast, head
bulwarks, rails, &c.

SHEERNESS, JAN. 3.
The Cressy, 80 guns, new screw steam-ship, Captain
Richard L. Warren, has this day been placed under the
masting shears in the fitting-basin, for the purpose of
being masted. She is to be masted and rigged as a
second-class line-of-battle ship. The extreme circum-
ference of her mainmast is 10 feet. Her standing rig-
ging is all ready to be sent over the mastheads imme-
diately the masts are stepped. She will be out of the
master-shipwright's department, as it regards her hull
fitments, in the early part of next month. The following
officers have taken up their commissions, and joined this
ship :—Lieutenant—Nicholas E. B. Tournour (28th Sept.,
1849) ; Chaplain—John Gurney (10th Feb., 1853), from
the Leopard, 18 guns, paddle-wheel steam-frigate, at
Portsmouth ; Clerk—W. H. Stevens, from the Water-
loo, 120 guns, flag-ship at this port.
The Majestic, 80 guns, new screw steam-ship.—This
ship has received all her engine machinery on board, and
immediately the Cressy is masted the boilers of the Ma-
jestic will be put into their places, when a large number
of engineers, boilermakers, &c., will be set on to com-
plete the setting up of her engines and getting her
ready for sea.

The Monarch, 84 guns, guard-ship of ordinary, Captain
Charles Hope.—On the paying-off of this ship on Friday
last, and recommissioning her on the following day (as
reported), only such seamen as had served their three
years were actually paid off • other seamen who had
joined under the new Admiralty regulations for con-
tinuous service, and such as had not completed their
three years, were paid down and transferred from the
old to the new commission on this ship's books. •
The new contract for the supply of vegetables to the
fleet in the Medway has been taken here by Mr. Aaron
Brown, potato salesman, residing at this place, in con-
sequence of which a daily supply of fresh vegetables can
be obtained for the use of the crews of all ships in com-
mission at this port—an advantage not hitherto enjoyed
for many years past at this place. On many former
occasions surveys have been called, and vegetables con-
demned on such surveys and destroyed ; this has caused
great inconvenience to the service, which, by the present
conditions of the contract now entered into by Mr.
Aaron Brown, is not likely to occur here again.

WOOLWICH, JAN. 3.
APPOINTMENTS.

Henry Braxton (1846), at present serving in the Cro-
codile, 8, receiving ship, off the Tower of London, is
appointed Clerk-in-Charge of that ship.
Clerks. —Edwin Harris (1851), from the St. George,
120, guard-ship of ordinary at Devonport, to the Eurya-
lus, 50, screw steam-frigate at Chatham ; John T.Wells,
to the St. George ; Richard Munday (1850), from the
Impregnable flag-ship at Devonport, to the Pique, 40, at
Devonport ; W. H. Turner, to the Impregnable ; F. G.
Pearn, to the Neptune, 120, guard-ship of ordinary at
Portsmouth.

TRADE PRERHOD/LAND ,5001121
night a meeting of/the inhabitants of Caratfer:f
vicinity wash et at the Greyhoundl
ind-road, Old Kent-road, for the putpoist
hearing statement of the plans and proceedings of tire
Free Trade Freehold Land Society. The estates pos..
sessed by the society consists of two very attractive ones, ' val.-
,
situate at Camberwell and Anerley.
The hour fixed for the commencement of the proceed-
ings having arrived,
Mr. GIAISON proposed that Dr. Leonard do take th•
chair.

Mr. COLEMAN begged leave to second the motion. It
having been put to the meeting, and declared carried,
Dr. LEONARD, in taking the chair, said he did not in-
tend, in opening the proceedings of the evening, to
occupy the attention of the meeting for any length of
time, as he would be followed by a gentleman
who would place before them the claims of the
society in a fax more attractive form than be
could. It was perfectly well known to most of
them that freehold land societies had now taken a posi-
tion that the most sanguine supporter could hardly have
expected. Lately an important movement had taken
place, which all and every one would hail with pleasure
and delight. Societies like the one on whose behalf Ire
appeared that evening tended in a great degree to foster
habits of frugality, and all who had the good of their

fellowmen at heart would be greatly rejoiced at such a
result. There was no political object to be worked
out, but all, of every shade of political opinion, were
invited to join and participate in the benefits to be
derived by joining so successful, and deservedly so, a
society as the Free Trade Freehold Land Society. He
would not further detain them, but at once call upon
Mr. Smith to address them. (Cheers.)
Mr. SMITE(' on rising to address the meeting, was cor-
dially received, said, although the origin of freehold
land societies was of recent date, their advantages were
well understood and appreciated. Seven years ago, the
founder of them, James Taylor, of Birmingham, and a
friend met at a coffee-house in Birmingham, and there
drew up a report, and forwarded it to the editor of a
newspaper in that town, with a polite request that he
would insert it in his journal. That gentleman
not only inserted the communication, but called
attention to the importance of the subject by a
leading article, and results that Taylor and his
friend least expected followed. When he (Mr. Smith)
first became acquainted with Taylor, who through
drunkenness had become greatly reduced, he had saved
a little money, and become exceedingly anxious to pro-
cure a freehold home. On receiving the abstract of the
title, he made the observation that it was as long as his
arm and as thick as his leg—(laughter)—and on its perusal
discovered that he had paid five shillings a yard for land
which had cost the seller but five pence. This fact first
gave rise to the present idea, that by co-operation pur-
chases of large tracts of land might be effected wholesale,
and distributed among the purchasers at the original
cost ; in other words, that which had been acquired
wholesale might be retailed at the wholesale price.
Among other societies, he would mention two, to illus-
trate the success of the movement, namely, the Na-
tional, now one of the -most flourishing, in the
first year made but little progress. The success by
this society had not proceeded far before it was found
necessary to establish the Conservative Land Society, to
counteract the success of the Radical societies. At the
present time the political part of freehold land societies
was falling into disuetude ; the franchise was not so
much sought after, as it was perfectly well known to all
that by the aid of societies like the Free Trade Freehold
Land Society—open to all creeds of political opinion—
that, as a matter of right, followed the acquisition of a
share. The priority principle, which was the first put
forth, was found, after a short time, not to answer the
expectations of those who were at first its most
decided advocates. The National Society put forth
two plans the ballot and the paid-up shares.
This was also objected to, and it was now found
that the system that received most favour with
the great majority was the ballot, the seniority, and the
paid-up principles combined. That was the plan adopted
by the Free Trade Freehold Land Society. (Cheers.)
The advantages held forth by savings banks had been
thought to be of the best aid most solid description ;
yet, when he mentioned the case of the Rochdale Savings
Bank and the Cuffy-street Savings Bank in Dublin, he
thought that the security held forth by freehold land
societies was by far to be preferred. (Cheers.) There
was no fear of nearly all the funds of freehold land
societies being irrecoverably lost. With respect to
building societies, be (Mr. Smith) thought they were
not for one moment to be compared to freehold societies.
In the latter, every man on entering knew what he would
get. He did not think he could say so much for the
former. For the early rights in this society fifty pounds
had been offered as a premium and refused. There was
no fear of any one losing by joining this society ; all
were prizes, and, unlike lotteries, there were no blanks.
(Cheers.) As for the moral influence exercised by 'mei°.

ties like the one he had the honour to be connected
with, he would mention the fact, that when Mr. Stevens,
the inspector of police at Birmingham, was examined
before a committee of the House of Commons, he, in
answer to questions put to him, stated that they tended
to diminish drunkenness, and also created habits of say-
ing and temperance not known of before their introduc-
tion. (Cheers.) The progress made by freehold land
societies had been most extraordinary—indeed, the
Messrs. Chambers, in the last number of their publica-
tion, declared it to be quite a mania. The success at-
tained by the most successful freehold land societies
had been eclipsed by theirs, for in the short space
of four months—the date of their foundation was the
15th of August, 1853—they 'had had 2,080 shares taken
up. (Cheers.) No society, he could truly say, had
done so much in so short a time. Economy was carefully
studied in everything connected with the it. There was
no party bias. Conservatives and Radicals were not in-
fluenced by the:directors ; indeed they considered it de-
rogatory even to attempt to interfere with the free exer-
cise of the franchise acquired through this society.
(Loud cheers.) They had had !a ballot for seniority,
but the directors, to show their disinterestedness, had
submitted to throw their early acquired rights into the
wheel, and some of them now stood far down the list ;
and, judging from the premiums offered for early rights,
he might with truth say, by so doing one gentleman had
lost 2501., another 5001. The first ballot for rights
would take place on the 30th, in which all shares
would participate. He Mr. (Smith) would feel
great pleasure in answering any question any gentleman
might feel disposed to put to him, as it was their greatest
wish that everything connected with the Free Trade
Freehold Land Society should be examined and inquired
into. He begged to thank the meeting for the attention
with which they had listened to him. Mr. Smith then
resumed his seat amidst loud applause.
Mr. GIMSON then rose to propose the first resolution.
He said that after the clear, able, and lucid statement
they had heard from Mr. Smith, he thought he should
be only trespassing on their patience if he attempted to
address them at any length. He fully confirmed every-
thing that Mr. Smith had stated with respect to the
prices offered as premiums for the early rights. To
enter into the principles of the Free Trade Freehold
Land Society would take a longer time than he thought
the meeting would feel disposed to allow him ; but this
he would say, that it was their earnest wish and desire
to raise the position of the shareholders in the social
scale. (Cheers.) The resolution he had the pleasure
of moving was to the following effect—" That Freehold
Land Societies have been proved, by experience, to be a
safe and profitable investment, advancing the interests
of the community generally, and of the industrious
classes in particular."
Mr. BARRETT briefly seconded the resolution.
The CHAIRMAN having put it to the meeting, declared
it carried unanimously.
Mr. HUNT, in rising to propose the second resolution,
said, in moving the resolution he held in his hand, he
had intended to have laid before the meeting a brief
statement of the present position and future prospects of
the society, but that ground had been gone over with
such ability by Mr. Smith, that he would read the
words of the second resolution ; but before doing so he
sincerely declared that the Free Trade Freehold Land
Society was what its name implied—honest, open, and
free. (Cheers.) The resolution was as follows :--"That
the Free Trade Freehold Laud Society is worthy of sup-
port from the success that has marked its progress, the
principles on which it is based, and for having purchased
two very desirable estates, one of which is situate in the
immediate neighbourhood, for distribution among its
members."
Mr. KIPLING seconded the resolution.
The CHAIRMAN then put the resolution, and, like
the preceding, declared it carried nem. con.
Mr. GIMSON proposed, and Mr. HUNT seconded, a
vote of thanks to Dr. Leonard, for his conduct in the
chair. It having being carried,
The CHAIRMAN, in returning thanks, said it afforded
him the highest gratification to have assisted at a, meet-
ing having such noble and disinterested objectsin view.
He begged sincerely to thank them for the kindness
they had conferred upon him.
The proceedings, which were of the most satis-
factory description, then terminated.

GRAIN IN BELGIUM.—The importation of wheat
during the last year in Belgium amounted to 106,530,656
kilogrammes, while the exportation did not exceed
11,298,577 kilogrammes.

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ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL A NIPIIIT HEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
GRAND JUVENILE NIGHT on THURSDAY, JAN. 5.

Crowded houses nightly to witness the unequalled Attractions. The
most gorgoous and successful Pantomime ever produced in this
Theatre.

THIS EVENING, JAN. 4,
(And during the week, Thursday excepted)

The New Grand Equestrian Chinese Spetaele, entitled " THE
WISE ELEPHANTS OF THE EAST; or, THE MAGIC GONG—
In which the wonder of wonders, Mr. W. Cooke's performing Ele-
phants will appear.

Followed by a series of novel and brilliant scenes of Equestrian-
ism in THE ARENA by talented artistes.
After which, a New Grand Equestrian CHRISTMAS COMIC
PANTOMIME, written expressly for this Theatre, by Mr. NELSON
LEE, entitled BILLY BUTTON'S JOURNEY TO BRENTFORD ;
or, Harlequin and the Ladles' Favourite.

New scenery, dresses, decorations, and appointments, magnificent
Car of Industry, &c. Harlequin, Mr. H. Hemmings ; Columbine,
Milne. Christine; Pantaloon, Mr. Lehman; and Two Clowns, Mr.
C. Adams and Mr. Croueste ; Sprites, Masters Gee and Bra.lbury.
Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W.
West.

DAILY WEATHER TABLE.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4, 1854.

State of the wind and weather at each of the following
places at nine o'clock yesterday morning. The stations
are arranged in order of latitude.
FOLKESTONE—E., gentle breeze --overcast.
TUNBRIDGE—S.E., calm—overcast.
STROOD—N., gentle breeze—overcast.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAY —Horning 33 min.after I Evening 55 min.aft. 5
To-llonnow—Morning 18 min.after 6 I Evening 43 min.aft. 6

THE WEATHER.—Soar OPTICE„TAN. 4.
THERMOMETER, TN THE SHADE.
39—highest since noon yesterday.
34—lowest this morning and during the night.
38—this day at noon.

BAILOMETER, 28.98.
During the night London and its vicinity, for many
Miles round, has been visited with the heaviest fall of
snow since 1838—a fall that has delayed the mails and im-
peded the general traffic on the river and railroads.

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