The Sun.
London, England, 1853-09-01 00:00:00

NORTH METROPOLITAN.

The first ordinary meeting of this company was held
yesterday at the offices, No. 47, Parliament-street, Mr.
W. Malin in the chair.

The report stated that the act had been obtained under
the most satisfactory arrangements with the parochial
and other authorities, by which all opposition in Parlia-
ment had been obviated, the preliminary expenses up to
the present time did not exceed 3,0001. The line would
pass under the New-road, from the Edgeware-road to
King'scross, a length of 21 miles, which would admit
of easy extension in the same manner, both to the west
and into the city ; but as the course of those extensions
might be affected by the arrangement to be made with
' the Great Western Company, and by a line projected
by the City Terminus Company, from King's-cross to
the Post-office, and from King's-cross to the West India
Dock Junction, now the North London line, in con-
tinuation of this company's line, the directors had
deemed it inexpedient to obtain from Parliament in the
last session powers to construct more than the line now
sanctioned. The directors, however, were happy to
inform the shareholders that the arrangements with the
Great Western Company were favourably progressing,
and that they anticipated no obstacle to the extension
to the Great Western Railway station. In the event
of the City Terminus Company not proceeding with its
project next session this company would apply for an
extension to a convenient terminus in the city of Lon-
don. It was intended to lay down two lines of railway
in a continuous archway under the road, of ample dimen-
sions, which would be constructed by excavating the
road from the surface at convenient intervals and relay-
ing it as the work progre,sed. Proper provisions would
at the same time be made for the sewage and gas and
water services. The directors announced that they had
entered into a contract with Messrs. Tredwell and Co.,
the very responsible contractors, for the construction f
the entire line, including all the requisite provisions for
sewage and gas and water supply, on terms which would
insure the line beinglipeechly completed within the limits
of the company's capital (300,0001.) The cost of the line
per mile, though traversing the midst of London, would
not exceed half that of any of the railways hitherto made
through the suburbs. It was in contemplation to estab-
lish stations at the principal streets crossing the New-

OXFORD, WORQESTER, & WOLVERHAMPTON.
The half-yearly meeting of this company was held at
the London Tavern yesterday, Captain Rushout, M.P.,
chairman of the board of directors, presiding.
The report, which has already appeared, was taken
as read,
The CHAIRMAN said, that since the opening of the
line to Oxford in June last the traffic had considerably
increased, the weekly receipts having augmented from
8501. to 2,409/., which was the amount of the takings
during the past week. He congratulated the pro-
prietors on the passing of the Bucks Junction line,
which had already been staked out, and which would
give them an outlet for their goods by a through
lin_e,tu London. Theyl99ked fora meat, wession of
tiafae.from this source, and' in the maritime they had
entered into arrangements with the London and North-
Western and the Midland Companies, which would
place the traffic of their line upon a broad and sound
basis. The traffic account showed a balance of 13,2491.
which had been carried to the revenue account, added
to which there was the Stourbridge Canal account,
1, 716/. ; and rents, 3731.: on the other side, they were
debited with the balance of the Stratford and Moreton
Railway account-7951., and one moiety of interest on
debentures, payable July 15, amounting to 7,2181. ;
and this left a balance of 7,325/. 16s. 6d., which the
directors proposed to apply to a dividend upon the pre-
ferential stock at the rate of 11. 14s. per cent. per annum,
or 17s. per cent. for the last half-year. The changes in
the policy of this company had naturally involved them
in serious expenses not contemplated in the estimate of
February, 1851. The laying down of the extra length
of broad guage would cost, at least, 100,0001. ; the extra
plant would cost another 100,0001. ; and the cost of the
workshops and additional station accommodation would
be very considerable, so that the proprietors would not
be surprised if the demands made upon the company
shortly required the expenditure of the extra capital
which they had the power to raise. The directors, how-
ever, would endeavour to stave off the period for raising
this capital as long as possible, so that they might pro-
cure it at a time when they could do so on the most ad-
vantageous terms. The traffic returns showed a steady
increase of receipts, and the directors anticipated that
the expectations lof the traffic manager, who had ex-
pressed his opinion that, before the meeting in August
next the weekly returns would amount to more than
4,0001., would be fully realised. The directors regretted
the loss of the Mid-Western and the Cheltenham and
Oxford bills. They had had a most arduous struggle in
Parliament, and it would be some satisfaction to the
proprietors to know that provision was already made for
going a third time to Parliament next session, to en-
deavour to procure a direct entrance into London upon
the narrow guage for the Mid-Western traffic. He con-
cluded by moving, that the report be received and
adopted.
Mr. B. OLIVEIRA, M.P., seconded the motion, con-
gratulating the shareholders in this, as it had been, un-
fortunate undertaking, that the line was now pretty
nearly out of its difficulties.
A. PROPRIETOR suggested that, in the event of their
going again before Parliament for the Mid-Western
Railway, a line should be chalked out more for the in-
terest of the company. Would it not be better that the
line should run into the South-Western Railway at
Datchet, and so come into London ? (Hear.)
The CHAIRMAN said, that suggestion should receive
the consideration of the board.
The motion for the adoption of the report was then
agreed to.
The CHAIRMAN then moved a resolution for the divi-
sion of the balance of 7,325/. 16s. 6d. among the pre-
ference shareholders. The directors were of opinion that
half only of the total debenture charge for the half-year
should be debited against revenue.
Mr. LONGMORE moved an amendment to the effect
that the whole of the interest proposed to be paid upon
the debenture debt be paid from the present revenue
account.
Mr. TEEHEARNE seconded the amendment.
After some discussion the amendment was put and
lost, and the original motion agreed to.
A vote of thanks was then given to the Chairman,
and the proceedings terminated.

AMBERGATE, NOTTINGHAM, AND BOSTON.
At the fifteenth half•yearly meeting of this company,
held yesterday at the London Tavern—Mr. J. Wyles in
the chair—the report, which has already been published,
was adopted, and resolutions were passed declaring a
dividend of ls. 3d. per share, free from income tax, and
payable on the 17th of ,September next, and re-electing
auditors and directors who went out by rotation,

WEST CORNWALL.

At the half-yearly meeting of this company, held yes-
terday at the offices, Throgmorton-street--Mr. H. 0.
Wills in the chair—the report of the directors was
adopted, and a dividend was declared of 2/. per share
for the half-year, clear of income tax.

OPENING OF THE NEWPORT AND
HEREFORD.
___ _

On Tue3day the first train passed over the whole of
this line from Newport to Hereford, and its appearance
in the neighbourhood of this city created quite a sensa-
tion, its arrival having been quite unexpected. The
train, bearing a number of gentlemen, including Mr.
Rennie, the contractor, Mr. Law, the traffic superin-,
tendent of the Monmouthshire Railway and Can
Company, and Mr. Batchelor, of Newport, left New-
port in the morning, and made several stoppages on the
oute for the purpose of inspecting the bridges and
road, arriving at half-past 11 at a place within a mile of
Herefcri, on the south bank of the Wye. A single line
is nearly completed throughout, and, with a little pre-
vious notice, the train might have passed over the
bridge over the Wye, at Hereford, to the Hereford sta-
tion. The line will be opened to Hereford in October,

MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD, AND LINCOLN

SHIRE.

The half-yearly meetingoithis company took place
yesterday at Manchester, the Earl of Yarborough, the
chairman of the directors, presiding.
The report, =abstract of which has already appears

pilot engine are in custody.
Sir J. Duke was (ruing down to attend the funeral of
the Rev. Mr. Bran'dling, of Gosforth-hall, Newcastle-
on-Tyne.
The Lord Mayor was in the same carriage with Sir
James. and was going down to attend the Master
Cutler's feast, at Sheffield.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR, —I regret to inform you that a serious accident
has happened to the 5 o'clock down train at the Horn-
sey coal-sidings, in consequence of the tender of an en-
gine of a previous train having got off the line, whereby
one lady, a Mrs. Harrison, has sustained a compound
fracture of the leg, and a Mr. Harrison, of Bell's Life,
and Mr. H. Justins, a solicitor, of Bath-street, City-
road, have each a leg broken, and several of the passen-
gers are more or less cut and bruised. The Bishop of
Lincoln, Lord Enfield, the Lord Mayor of London, and
Sir James Duke are among those who are slightly in-
jured.

Every possible means is being resorted to to arrange
for the comfort of the passengers, and to clear the line
in order that the traffic may go forward as usual.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
SEYMOUR CLARKE,
General Manager.
Great Northern Railway, General Manager's
Office, Sing's-cross Station, Aug. 31.

THE NEW ACT ON CHARITABLE TRUSTS.

In the important Act for the Setter Administration of'
Charitable Trusts there are 68 sections, which took
effect on the 20th inst., when it received the Royal assent.
The preamble recites that it is expedient to provide means
for securing the due administration of charitable trusts,
and for the more beneficial application of charitable
funds in certain cases. Her Majesty is empowered to
appoint four charity Commissioners, one secretary, and
two inspectors, for the purpose of executing the provi-
sions of the new law. Three commissioners, who are to
be barristers of not less than 12 years' standing are to be
paid, and one is to be called " The Chief Commissioner."
The Commissioners are to appoint clerks and mes-
sengers.
The Chief Commissioner is to have 1,500/. a year, and
the other commissioners 1,2001. each, the secretary
6001.. and the inspectors 8001. each. All are to be
allowed travelling expenses. After the end of March,
1857, the annual salary is to be paid to only one com-
missioner besides the chief commissioner. The paid
officers are not to sit in Parliament. The board is to
be called "The Charity Commissioners for England
and Wales,"
_ _ _

M The
work of the board is defined by theatnhende rieootbfhi, section,th e
which enacts that " it shall be lawful for the said board
fEronmglatnimdeantod time, as
athnedy th
the neaitrurdei
fit, to examine and inquire into all orscarnytkChliamriatiyer in
ministration, management, and results
value, condition, management,. and application
estates, funds, property, and income belonging tehacentrsde
and the said board may cause examination anattle
in-
quiries in relation to the matters aforesaid to be Thad°
and prosecuted by their inspectors,together
acting or
separately in such cases, and at such time as the said
board may think fit, and all suoh inspectors shall from
time to time report their proceedings to the said board."
Powers are given to the board to require accounts and
statements of charities. The inspectors may examine
witnesses on oath, and persons refusing to render ac-
counts, or to give evidence, are to be deemed to be
guilty of a contempt of the Court of Chancery, and may
be committed by such court, on summary application,
by the commissioners to the same, and be ordered to
pay the costs, if the court shall so direct. The board
t entertain all applications for their opinion and
advice, bersons acting as trustees, and persons act-
ing on thy e advice of the board are to be inderanified.
Some extensive powers are given to the board to deal
with charities, in order to make them available for the
objects intended. In cases of charities, the income of
which exceeds 301. a year, the Master of the Rolls and
the Vice-Chancellors, upon application to them at
chambers, are to have the same jurisdiction as the
Court of Chancery or the Lord Chancellor, upon infor-
mation, &c. The District Courts of Bankruptcy and
County Courts are to have jurisdiction in cases of
charities not exceeding 301. a year. An appeal is pro-
vided. The other provisions relate to the proceedings
to be adopted, and the manner of procedure to make
available the numerous charitable trusts in Eng aid and
Wales. The act is not to extend to Scotland or Ire.
laud. It is to be cited as "The Charitable Trusts Act,
1853."

us from the
that the Aberdeen clipper-bnilt ship Cairngorm, Captain
ChLalr
brought
Straits of Sunda up to the 2d of July, by which we find
John Robertson, had passed through, having made the
ThTelloEveArraEnir nElaNil
run from Lisbon in 60 days. This is another proof that
our ship-builders simply want encouragement to compete
most successfully with our American friends or any other
nation.
UNCERTAINTY OF THE LAW.—There were exactly the
same number of Scotch cases reversed, on appeal to the
House of Lords, as were affirmed during the last session.
This exhibits the glorious uncertainty of the law in $
most damaging and discreditable light.