The Sun.
London, England, 1849-11-01 00:00:00

NOVEMBER 1, 1849

RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE.
YORK AND NORTH MII)LANI).
YORK, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.— Phis day a
special meeting of the York and North Midland
shareholders was held in the De Grey Rooms, in this
city, to receive the third report of the committee of
investigation. The attendance of shareholders was
not so numerous as at former meetings ; there was,
however, a large and influential bedy of shareholders
present.
The LORD MAYOR of York (James Meek, Esq.),
took the chair, but requested that, after the notice
convening the meeting had been read, the meeting
would permit H. S. Thompson, Esq , to take the chair,
inasmuch ks one of the primary questions involved in
the report was in reference to himself as chairman of
this directory.
Mr. THOMPSON accordingly took the chair. lie
observed that certain charges had been made against
the directory—not affecting their personal character,
but their capability to act as directors. lie trusted
that they would all act and speak in good temper
durieg these proceedings. Ile then proceeded to ob-
serve that a great number of proxies had been received
in favour of the committee before the directors' answer
could have been received by the shareholders; and thus
the prosecution being closed, the verdict was given be•
fore the defence was entered upon. The 22d October
was the first day on which any proxies were received,
and on that day 19 were received for the directors,
and 94 for the committee ; on the next day 26 for the
directors, and 97 for the committee ; on the 24th there
were 39 for the directors, and 126 for the committee.
All these proxies were received before the answer of
the directors to the charge mac Against them could be
in the hands of the shareholders. On the 25th the
directors received 64 proxies, and the committee 90 ;
on the 26th there were 33 for the directors and 73 for
the committee; next day, 50 for the directors and 46
for the committee ; on the 28th, .52 for the directors
and 70 for the committee ; and on the 29th, 25 for the
directors and 47 for the committee. It was thus appa-
rent that the great bulk of the proxies held by the
committee were received before the answer of the
directors was issued. Under these circumstances it
was right they should state the course which the
directors intended to adopt. If the shareholders pre-
sent at this meeting expressed an opinion that the
charges against the directors were not proved—if such
a verdict was given strongly, then the directors would
continue to exercise their legal powers and retain
office until the shareholders at large could be further
consulted. If the meeting gave a contrary decision,
then they would bow to it. Proxies would be avail-
able for every legal purpose for which they could be
used; but proxies could not be used to turn out
directors
The LORD MAYOR then retired from the meeting,
observing that the proxies he held he should not
use in reference to any question affecting himself
personally.
Mr. Alderman SWANN (of York) then rose to pre-
sent the third report, which he regretted would not
be a final one. He rose to present this meeting with
a report, and was prepared to defend it. He had no
personal feelings against the directors; but in finding
fault with their acts he would do so fairly and un-
flinchingly. With reference to the general topics in
the report, he thought the Lancashire and Yorkshire
Railway Company was fairly bound to carry out the
Hull and Selby lease. With reference to the Hull and
Selby preference shares, they had done the best in their
judgment, and they did not ask for a decision upon
this recommendation to-day. With reference to their
position it was quite clear where their calamity had
arisen—it arose from their unprofitable extensions. In
regard to providing a fund for the maintenance of
rolling stock and permanent way, he strongly recom-
mended that that should be done. It was the way in
which they would best maintain their crdit. Having
a debenture debt of a million or more, it was
necessary to show that there was no fear of the
interest being paid ; let that be done, and the good
effect would soon be apparent in increased credit, and
in a reduction of interest on their debt. Then direct-
ing his attention to the first part of the third report,
he observed that be was prepared to take issue with
the chairman as to the point in dispute. He would
go item by item into the charges; and he was
content that the shareholders should be the judges.
The committee issued that report in consequence of
the want of cordiality on the part of the directors,
and from an impression that the directors were not so
acting as to tend to the benefit of the company. The
meeting would remember that, when last assembled,
the directors were against the committee as to whether
any of the old directors should be retained. Subse-
quently the directors had shown a supineness mith
reference to the proceedings against the late
directors who improperly took shares ; they
were ready to proceed against Mr. Hudson,
but there was an evident leaning towards
the others. He had received an intimation from
Mr. Thompson, that that was not the feeling of the
directors; but, nevertheless, circumstances did exist
which led to a contrary conclusion. With reference
to Mr. Peter Clarke, his retention for so long a period
was most blameable ; and the directors were clearly,
under an infatuation as to that person. The indivi-
duals brought from Hull to York, and placed in re-
sponsible positions by Mr. Peter Clarke, showed that
he had had complete control over the line. ll'ith
reference to the stationmaster who had absconded,
they were at issue with the directors as to the facts,
their belief b. ing that several days had elapsed
before the warrant was issued. Ile thought that,
although the committee was one for inquiry, in the
selection of a chairman and of directors they ought to
have been consulted. He defended the issue of
proxies on this occasion, which was justified by the
distance at which many of the shareholders reside.
After some further remarks, he moved that the third
report be received.
Mr. BULL seconded the motion, which was agreed to.
Mr. SWANN then moved that the whole of the first
part of the report be adopted, and contended that
Mr. Meek's connexion with the Great Northern
Railway rendered it impossible that he should retain
the chair of this company. On sound principle he
contended that the interests of this company would
be best promoted by having a chairman independent
of every other company.
Mr. CRAWSIIAY rose tomove an amendment that the
first part of the report be not adopted, and proceeded
to read its principal topics, commenting upon them,
and denying that there had been any reluctance to
afford assistance to the committee, either by the
directors or the officials. The charges made
against the directors were of that character
which, had they studied their own dignity, they would
not have put into print. He thought it extremely
unfair to allege as a cause of delay that the directors or
officials had refused to afford facilities. He denied that
it was so; and observed that the committee had them-
selves risen for ten days or a fortnight. With refer-
ence to Mr. Peter Clarke, no one came into the
direction more opposed to that individual than him-
self ; but the directors would not injure this company
by hastily dispensing with a very acute servant, who
on many points knew more than the whole board of
directors put together. Many important matters had
to be settled with the Midland Railway and other ccm •
parries, in which conflicting interests intervened, with
respect to which the course to be pursued by this
company it was most desirable should be settled. Mr.
Clarke remained from day to day at the entreaty of
the directors, until important questions could be
settled, affecting the goods traffic ; and he thought
that it was unfair that they should have their judgment
impugned by those who could not have the know-
ledge they possessed. With reference to the
station-master, who was a defaulter to the amount of
some 81. or 91., some of the directors thought it unjust
to prosecute him, whilst another notorious and pro-
fligate rogue was at large. The majority of the
board were in favour of his prosecution, and on the
same day a warrant was issued for his arrest, but he
ran away. And he (Mr. C.) was glad to hear it,
because a boy brought up in such a school was en-
titled to some consideration. With reference to the
cashier alluded to as being a defaulter, that individual
was preparing a statement to show he did not owe
the company anything; but if it was found he did,
he was prepared to pay any sum which might
be due from him. He admitted that they found
on taking the direction that many of the officers
were most inefficient, but the directors had had
their hands tied behind them by captious objec-
tions of the committee. On one occasion he recom•
mended that there should be two accounts, one for
capital and one for revenue, but it was objected to by
the committee.
One of the COMMITTEE—The proposal was to
change the bank.
Mr. CRAWSHAY—No, the proposal was to have one
account at one bank and one at another, so as to pre-
vent the two from being mixed together. Mr. Craw-
shay continued to assert that the committee had
other and personal motives for their hostility to the
directors.
Mr. SwANN rose to order, and called upon Mr.
Crawshay to withdraw that imputation, which he
denied.
Mr. CRAWSHAY explained that all he meant was
that the committee ought to displace the directory.
He next went to tha election of Mr. Meek to the
chair, which they would remember was applauded at
their last meeting, and was done with the knowledge
of the shareholders. He then alluded to the election
of Mr. Thompson and Mr. Williamson to the board,
which he defended; with reference to Mr. Meek, a
mere honourable and business-like man did not exist,
and he was incapable of doing anything wrong—
his judgment was excellent. He held that Mr. Meek,
if improper as a chairman, was equally improper,as a
director; he, as a shareholder, should certainly give
him his support. In conclusion he contended that the
directors generally had done nothing deserving the
censure contained in the first part of the third report,
and therefore he moved it be not adopted.
Mr. EDWARD SMITH seconded the amendment, and
proceeded at considerable length to defend the direc•

---
tors from the charges which the committee had made
against them. lie contended that these charges were
incorrect, and that consequently the committee had
proved their own incompetency instead of the incom-
. petency of the dirt ctors. With reference to Mr.
i Meek's appointment as chairman, he contended that a
more judicious selection could not have been made.
If Mr. Meek left the board, other members would do
the same ; and he looked in vain for other gentlemen
to supply their places. He looked upon the dismissal
of Mr. Meek as a step which would lead to the direct
antagonism of the Great Northern Railway, and he
feared the consequences which would result. For
one, he should close that page of his ledger for the
next twelve years. He conceived that the report had
been hastily drawn without adequate evidence.
Mr. KINNEAR (one of the committee) then rose
to show that there was not in their statement any
remark which was not justified. He observed that
the retention of Mr. Peter Clarke was the origin of
all the difference between the committee acrd the di-
rectors. Mr. Clarke was brought to York to Llsity
the accounts, and he did it successfully as they all
knew. lie tyrannised over the officers, end compelled
them to make false entries in their books on pain of
their dismissal. To show the want of management
he referred to a return, showing that in July last 546
persons were found in the company's trains with
im-
proper tickets ; that 355 persons were found without
tickets at all ; and 1,084 tickets were uncollected alto-
gether. In the two first weeks in August 270 improper
tickets were collected ; 211 persons were found without
tickets at all ; anti 641 tickets remained uncollected.
But since that time no return had been made, and
thus inquiry was baffled. With reference to their
goods traffic, they were now carrying 5,000 tons
more per week, whilst they were receiving less money,
their rates being the same. He contended, therefore,
that Mr. Clarke was not worth any thing as a mana-
ger, and that the directors could not justify his reten-
tion in office. They were daily dining with him and
treating him as a friend, and holding him up as an
example to the whole establishment. The committee,
on the other hand, denounced him as a culprit, as
one who ought to have been instantly dismissed.
As to Mr. Clarke's satellites—those who had been
introduced into offices in York by that individual—
they ought to be dismissed. They had been brought
to York to serve Mr. Clarke's purposes, and they
could not be retained to the benefit of the com-
pany. With reference to the station-master who was
a defaulter, he contended that proper steps had not
been taken to secure his apprehension, which ought
to have been done. The continuance of the cashier
in his position he also censured, after the deficiency
which had been ascertained. As to Mr. Meek being
the chairman of this company, he contended that his
Large stake in the Great Northern Railway, his seat
at that directory, and the nominal risk he had in this
company, rendered him disqualified from being their
chairman. The present directors he believed would ,
never proceed against the late directors for the funds
which they had improperly appropriated, if they were
allowed to take their own course. They had taken
no prompt steps for recovering these funds, and one
of them had advised a late director that, " if he were
him, he would pay nothing." Surely this was not
fair to profess publicly to prosecute, and privately to
advise in that manner.—(Cries f "Name.") He
believed Mr. Crawshay had said so.
Mr. CRAWSHAY—I am ready to answer the charge.
Mr. KINNEAR would not blame Mr. Crawshay it it
were thought the money was not due. But the
directors undertook to prosecute, and an opinion was
here given against their own prosecution.
Mr. CRAWSHA Y —That is not correct.

Mr. KINNEAR continued—The committee felt
themselves entirely superseded by the meeting of
directors after the last annual meeting ; that they
were not treated courteously or fairly when the
directors met and elected directors and a chairman
without giving the committee any notice, as at the
time of Captain Sandeman's appointment. It was
manifest the directors knew that the answer they
would have received would have been one disapprov-
ing of Mr. Meek as chairman.
Mr. 2fcnanDsoN stated, with reference to the case
of the station-master, that the same day intimation
was given to the board of directors they instructed
him and his partner to take proceedings against the
delinquent. The following day application was made
for a warrant. The matter was deeply and gravely
considered. The clerk of the magistrates and he
himself discussed the matter at great length, together
with the secretary of the company; and they were
strongly of opinion that they would fail in any pro-
secution they might carry through against that
indictment. However, the warrant was issued, and
a certain discretionary power given to him, and he
had no hesitation in saying that he thought the ends
of justice would be better carried out by the indivi-
dual running away—(Laughter)—for he felt strongly
they would have failed. They had also to consider
the peculiar position of this company. How magna-
nimous an act it would have been to have pounced
upon a tomtit when an eagle was permitted to soar.
Mr. ROUNTREE vindicated the grounds on which
the appointment of Mr. J. Meek had been proposed.
lie complained that the efforts of the directors to
advance the interests of the company had been met by
a bill of indictment. On the 2d of October a new
goods manager was appointed at Hull, who entered on
his duties on the 9th, Air. Clark returning on the
30th. An alternative charge of fraud or negligence
had been made with regard to uncollected tickets,
&c., but every one acquainted with a great railway
knew that sums varying from 141. to 181. per week
were taken from persons found in trains without their
proper tickets. To provide an effectual check the
platforms would require to be enclosed, which would
involve a large expense.
In answer to a shareholder,
Mr. ROWNTREE explained the discrepancy in the
goods traffic which Mr. Kinnear had spoken of.
During the last few months a large increase, as com-
pared with last year had taken place in the coal and
coke trade, the amount from which is very much less
than that received for the conveyance of piece goods.
There might, therefore, be a large increase in quantity,
and yet a diminution in the money received. He com-
plained that Mr. Kinnear bad not given notice of these
matters.

Mr. B. DODSWORTH then came forward to defend
his brother from Mr. Kinnear's statement. He had
ascertained from his brother that he had been many
times on the Whitby line.
After some discussion, the CHAIRMAN defended
himself from the accusation of the committee, and the
sense of the meeting was taken on the subject of Mr.
Meek's eligibility for the office of chairman.
As an amendment in a direct negative sense had
been moved, the CHAIRMAN put the question to the
meeting.

For the motion a very few hands were held up, while
against it nearly all present held up their hands amidst
loud cheers.

A poll was then demanded, and the shareholders
at once proceeded to vote.

In the int2rval the CHAIRMAN stated, it had been
arranged between the board and the committee to
leave the remaining subject of the report until the
next meeting, which it was expected would be held
in a month's time, as by that period the committee
expected to have their final report ready. He also
said that Mr. Kinnear wished to have it explained that
he, did not include Mr. Locking in his remarks re-
Fpecting the goods' traffic.
The result of the poll was-2,765 in favour of the
adoption of the first part of the report, and
2,111 against it; majority against Mr. Meek's
election, 664.
The meeting was then adjourned to the 29th of
November, having lasted till near seven o'clock.

THE BERMONDSEY MURDER.—DISCOVERY
OF MORE OF O'CONNO.R'S PROPERTY.
On Monday last Manning particularly desired to
have an interview with Mr. Binns, his solicitor, as he
had some important communication to make to him.
A. special order from the visiting magistrate being
required, Mr. Binns was unable to visit his late client
until yesterday. Shortly after ten o'clock the inter-
view took place in the presence of the deputy-go-
vernor and two turnkeys. Manning seemed much
plased to see his attorney, and thanked him for the
activity he had displayed in defending him. He
made no allusion to the sentence, but gave some im-
portant information relative to some shares which be-
longed to O'Connor, :and which were destroyed by
Mrs. Manning on the evening after the murder was
committed. The shares were of considerable value,
and their worth will, no doubt, be restored by the
railway company that issued them. Mrs. Manning
burnt them in the back kitchen with several old
papers and some rags. Manning told Mr. Binns that
he wished O'Connor's executors to; know the fact, as
the property might be restored to them. Last even-
ing Mr. Binns communicated with them, giving
particular description of the shares, with Manning 's I
statement respecting them. While conversing with
Mr. Binns, Manning seemed in excellent spirits, and
appeared quite resigned to the awful fate that awaits
him. He still asserts that his wife perpetrated the
crime, and that he assisted in the disposing of the
body. Yesterday afternoon, by the advice of Mr.
Binns, Manning wrote an affecting letter to his
wife, appealing to her feelings, and calling upon her
to confess everything connected with the dreadful
crime. He exhorts her to tell the truth, and rely
upon forgiveness from her Maker. The letter was
handed to her in the evening by the female turnkey,
and for some time she refus( dto read it. She, how-
ever, perused it, and requested to be furnished with
writing materials for the purpose of answering her
husband's letter.

Great sensation has been caused during the last few
days at Berlin, in cons( quence of 240 pupils of the mili-
tary school having been taken ill, with all the symptoms
of poisoning, immediately after dinner; whereupon an
anal) sis of the focd was made, which ld to the disco-
very that a considerable quantity of arsenic had been
mixed up with the potatoes.—Paris Paper.