The Sun.
London, England, 1847-06-21 00:00:00

JUNE 21, 1847.

A general meeting of this company was held on Fri-
day, at the London Tavern, to receive the report of the
directors ; W. H. Thomas, Esq., in the chair.
The advertisement convening the meeting having been
read, the secretary, Mr. Noad, was requested to read the
report, the substance of which was—That in the first
instance the sum of ss. per share had been subscribed in
order to pay the expenses of the preliminary surveys, but
that in consequence of the extensive railway operations
in progress at that period, some time elapsed before the
directors could secure the services of a competent engi-
neer to make the necessary surveys; and it was not until
March, 1846, that arrangements were made with Mr.
Drane, who, on the recommendation of Mr. Bendel, the
consulting engineer, left England intrusted with this im-
portant iniss'on, by the mail or that month. Oa his
ar-
rival in Ceylon, Mr. Brain proceeded to surrey several
portions of the country, and was etabled to complete
his inquiries and investigations so as to leave the island
in February, 1847, and to reach this country the latter
end of March. It appeared from his information, re-
ceived by the directors, that the cost of the railway
from Colombo to Kandy would amount to about
850,0001. ; and it became the province of the directors
to determine in what manner they could shape their
proceedings, so as to secure the co-operation of her Ma-
jesty's Government, and especially to obtain such a gua-
ranteed dividend as would justify the outlay of the
capital. The directors have now the gratification to an-
nounce that these views have been entertained by her
Majesty's Government, and that an ordinance will be
sanctioned, comprehending a free grant of the land re-
quired for the railway, for a term of ninety-nine years,
and a guaranteed dividend of five per cant. per annum
for that period ; the Government having the right of
purchase atter the expiration of fifty years, and the re-
version of the line without purchase at the end of ninety-
nine years. The original capital was to hare been
1,000,000/., but in consequence of the arrangement with
the Government, it was submitted, that a new company
be formed, with a capital of 300,0001., in 20,000 shares
of 151. each ; and that the holders of the existing scrip
receipts should be entitled to claim the same number of
shares in the new company, as though the directors had
found it possible at once to constitute the society con-
templated by the subscription contract. But as the
directors contemplate an extension of the anrang ement
with her Majesty's Government, and fully purpose carry-
ing out the original project of completing the railway
communication with Kandy at no distant period, power
will be taken in the deed of settlement to increase the
capital, and to give to the holders of the new 151. shares
an option of subscribing for a rateable proportion of
the additional stock to be created. Over the division
cf the line first to be undertaken, all the traffic between
Colombo and Kandy will pass ; and it is estimated that
at the existing charge of transport, without including
any revenue from passengers, a return of about nineteen
per cent. on the capital invested may be realised.
During the present year the directors do not anticipate
being called upon to expend a larger sum than will en-
able them to limit the calls to 20s. per share; and as it
does not appear probable that the works on the first
section of the line can be completed within less than two
years, the further calls will necessarily be extended
over that period. The directors had much pleasure in
annexing a copy of the report of Mr. Bendel, the con-
sulting engineer, which entirely confirms the views of
the directors. The directors have endeavoured to con-
duct the affairs of the company with the strictest eco-
nomy, and referring to the accompanying statement of
receipts and expenditure, concluded the report by ex-
pressing a hope that they may have earned the appro-
bation, and continue to possess the confidence of the
shareholders.
It was further stated that the calls during the present
year were not likely to be more than 20a. a share, and
the traffic for goods between Colombo and Candy, a
distance of 32 miles, was estimated at 40,000 tons car-
ried up the line, at Is. per ton per mile, 64,0001.;
22,500 tons brought down the line, at 4d. per ton per
mile, 12,0001.; making a total of 76,0001.; and deducting
for working expenses 19,000/., there would be a profit of
57,0001., or 19 per
_cent. on the capital.
From the cash account it appeared that the total re-
ceipts on calls and from other sources was 5,3761., the
payments 4,9591: 7s. id., and the assets in hand are
4071. I2s. l id. In consequence, however, of money ad-
vanced by the directors for the purposes of the com-
pany, there is a small deficiency of 3091. 75. ld. between
the liabilities and the assets.
The engineer's report was appended to that of the
directors, by which it appeared that the railway was
intended to commence at the east bank of the Kalany
river, about three miles from the city of Colombo, and
following for the first 32 miles the general direction of
the great military road to Kandy and Kornegalle, which
the line crosses twice ; then, entering the Valley of the
(river) Maha Oya, follows its course for 23 miles to the
hill country at the Kaddoganava Pass, or Gordon's
Bridge, w here it commences a rapid ascent to the summit
on which Kandy is situated, and terminates about three
miles short of that city, being a length of 14 miles, and
making the whole length of the railway 69 miles. Over
the first division of 32 miles the country is flat, the total
rise not exceeding 170 feet on the whole length, and the
highest land passed over between these points not exceed-
ing 240 feet, involving a class of gradients better than I
in- 150 to lin 200. The estimate is 258,7951., supposing
the land to be given by the Government. The second
division would involve heavier gradients and works than
the first division, as the country becomes more broken.
The gradients need not, however, exceed 1 in 150 to 1
in 200, fcr 17 miles, but beyond that the gradients might
have to be so steep as 1 in 100 to 1 in 50, for the re-
maining five miles ; the work of construction over the
whole being, however, moderate, and such as the estimate
of 177,149/. would accomplish for a single line, as be-
fore. The total rise of country on this division is 540
feet, without any intermediate summit. The third divi-
sion, as before stated, forms the ascent to Kandy; the
elevation to be overcome is 1,100 feet, and the gradients
may, it seems, be so arranged as not to exceed 1 in 50,
the numerous ravines of the mountains admitting of a
lengthening of the line so as to accomplish that object.
I Such gradients may be safely worked. Goods traffic at
10 miles per hour, and passenger traffic to average
17 miles an hour, prudent limits in that country.
It need only be added that the cost per mile, including
stock, of the two first divisions of the line will be some-
what under 9,000/., and the third division from 21,0001,
to 22,0001. per mile ; all single line, made on a secure
but economical plan.
The CHAIRMAN recapitulated the principal parts of
the report in moving its adoption.
Before it was finally accepted,
Mr. ANDERTON observed that, after all, the Govern-
ment guarantee amounted to nothing, and that the pro-
perty was only a leasehold.
Mr. LEVY trusted the Hon. Proprietor would not
throw in any element of discord, for that he thought the
guarantee of the Government a great advantage.
Mr. ANDERTON would be quite as ready to take Mr.
Levy's guarantee for the amount.
The report was ultimately adopted, witbout any dis.
sent, and the meeting, which was numerous, and it
need not be said highly respectable, separated, ap-
arently well satisfied with the day's proceedings.

FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT AND
LOSS OF LIFE.
On Friday, shortly before seven o'clock, considerable
consternation was caused in the Borough b a most se-
rious accident which occurred upon the works con
nexion with the North Kent or London and Gravesend
Railway, in consequence of the falling of an arch, pass-
ing over Great Russell• street, at its northern end. In
the midst of the confusion which prevails, the following
facts with reference to this disastrous occurrence have
been gathered, which, though far from being sufficiently
in detail to furnish a complete account of the accident,
way, nevertheless, be relied upon as accurate as far as
the facts could be procured of the parties who witnessed
it. During the latter part of the afternoon, it appears
that several of the men employed in the erection of a
viaduct, cr rather in the widening of the tramway of
the South-Eastern line over Great Russell-street, were
engaged in removing the stouts and centre-pieces from
the brickwork forming the permanent way for the new
line. But a few minutes had elapsed after the re-
moval of these timber supporters, before a sudden crack-
ing was heard overhead by some of the men who were
at that time under that portion of the railway which
forms the. present Greenwich, Croydon, Brighton, and
Dover lines. Before it was possible to give any alarm,
or to warn the parties who were passing under the bridge
at the time, the whole of the new work came down with
a tremendous crash. One man was at work laying con-
crete at the time over the archway. He was brought
down with the mass of rubbish, consisting of several
tons, but, fortunately, he escaped with a considerable
bruising. It was apprehended at first that several per-
sons who happened to be passing under the bridge at
the time had been sacrificed, and the rumour became
almost instantaneously rife that not less than eight per-
sons had been killed, and more seriously injured. As
soon, however, as it was possible, workmen were set
to work to remove the rubbish, and in a short time
three persons were found severally most severely
injured ; they were conveyed without delay to Guy s
Hospital, where every attention was paid to them by the
house-surgeon. In prosecuting their further search the
men met with the body of a respectably-dressed man,
who was literally smashed to a mummy, scarcely a trace
of his features being discernible. Soon afterwards the
body of a middle-aged female frightfully mutilated was
found. It is scarcely necessary to add that both parties
when taken out of the ruins were quite dead. It was
rumoured that two boys were seen close to the spot
where the unfortunate accident took place, but up to the
time of our going to press no other bodies have been
found. The deceased persons have been removed to the
dead room at St. Olave's school, to await the inquiry of
the Coroner.

THE NAVY CLUB. ENTERTAINMENT TO THE
FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY.—The members of the
Navy Club gave their customary annual entertainment
to the First Lord of the Admiralty, on Thursday last,
at the Thatched House Tavern, St. James's-street. The
Earl of Auckland, the First Lord of the Admiralty,
accompanied by the Hon. Captain M. F. Berkeley, and
the lion. William Cowper, arrived at half-past seven,
shortly after which dinner was announced. Admiral Sir
partydring presided. The
separated shortly before eleven o'clock.

. . .
CHARING-CROSS BRIDGE COM-
PANY.
A special general meeting of the shareholders of this
company was held at their offices, Villiers-street, Strand
at one o'clock on Saturday, Mr. Hawes in the chair,
for the purpose of formally rescinding the contract en-
tered into some time ago, for the sale of the bridge to Mr.
Jackson, Sir Joshua -Walmsley, and Mr. Fuller, and for
assenting to the creation of new shares, for the purpose
of defraying the liabilities of the undertaking.
After the advertisement had been read,
The CHAIRMAN proceeded to explain the nature of the
meeting to the shareholders. He said the actual expen-
diture up to January in the present year amounted to
126,4851., tor which 8,0001. had to be deducted for rent
received from the wharf, making the total cost 118,485/.;
it had been estimated to cost 106,0001., but, as they
were already aware, there had been au excess over that
estimate of 12,4851., which he thus accounted for—
alteration of piers and foundations, 3,0001.; new works
not in the estimate, including toll-houses, gates, light-
ing, &e., 2,000/.; float, 1,500/.; law expenses, 1,5001.,
including the cost of obtaining their three Acts of Par-
liament. There was a debt of 1,000/. due to
the Hungerford Market Company for damages,
which had been referred to arbitration, and
which would be settled as soon as possible. Then
there was 4,6001. of interest owing to the bankers and
others, making, as he had said, a deficiency of 12,485/.,
or, in round numbers, 13,0001. They had already raised
altogether, up to the present time,120,0001., their capital
having been originally fixed upon as 106,000/. In order
to meet the liabilities it would be necessary to raise new
capital to the amount of 19,450/., or, in round numbers,
20,0001. The following were the liabilities:—Messrs.
Jackson and others, 9,000/. ; the bankers, 3,5001. ;
works, 1,950/. ; her Majesty's Commissioners, law
expenses, obtaining Acts of Parliament, and claims
2,000/., due upon the toll account 3,000/., making alto-
gether 19,4501. Out of these items the following might
be selected as absolutely pressing for payment :-9,0001.
to Messrs. Jackson, out of the 10,0001. deposited, 1,0001.
having been forfeited, and the bankers 3,500/. All
these must be placed on a proper footing for payment.
The directors proposed to provide for the payment of
these liabilities under third clause of their Act, and to
issue 3,200 quarter-shares of 61. 55. each, these shares
to be first offered to the shareholders ; but they did not
consider it advisable that they should constitute any por-
tion of the permanent capital of the company. The
traffic of the bridge would in the course of the next year
or two be so much increased by the opening of
the South-Eastern, South-Western, and the Great
anti-
cipatedWestern,that
malnTd:on They
e
Birmingham i. o rmingham lines, in the immediate
vicinity of the bridge, that be confidently anti-
haptaey vebory.ff ef therefore
Er directorse w
2 sshares
0a preferredro eI s
without
ha
would
i n rather
ah be enabled
to '
crouaflie
tsy
aa
money •
tne shapeydifficulty
toiffi
loan, or of making the amount proposed to be raised
a portion of the fixed capital of the company. He con-
cluded by calling upon the clerk (Mr. Lawrence) to
read the report.
Mr. LAWRENCE then read the report, which was as
follows:
" Your directors called this special general meeting of
shareholders to submit for their approval the arrange-
ments they have acceded to with Messrs. Jackson, Reed,
Walmsley, and Fuller, for the settlement of their con-
tract for the purchase of the bridge; and also to submit
the plan by which they propose to raise the capital re-
quired to repay to those gentlemen 9,0001., part of the
10,000/. deposited by them, as well as to provide
funds for the liquidation of the outstanding debts of
the company on the capital account, which have hitherto
been provided for by temporary loans from the bankers.
" Your directors are anxious to accomplish this with-
out increasing the fixed capital of the company, and
therefore, although they feel obliged, in fulfilment of the
spirit of the provisions of the company's Act of Parlia-
ment, 6th Victoria, chap. 19, sec. 5, to offer the new
shares they propose to eseate to the proprietors, they
deem it right to state, it will, in their opinion, be more
advantageous to the company that the shares should not,
if it can be avoided, become part of the permanent capi-
tal of the company, but be used as a security for the
temporary advance of capital, which your directors feel
very confident the company will be able to repay as soon
as the Great Railway station, now in progress, and close
to the southern terminus of the bridge, is completed.
" Your directors think it right to state distinctly that
this capital is not required to pay for any unforseen and
increased expenditure, but simply to place the finances
of the company on a more satisfactory footing, and has
been forced upon them at this time by the necessity of
completing the proposed arrangements with Messrs.
Jackson and others.
To accomplish these objects in the manner best cal-
culated to promote the:permanent interest of the com-
pany, the necessary resolutions, as well as the proposed
a4reetnent to carry them into effect, will be submitted to
the meeting."
In reply to several parties,
The CHAIRMAN raid that the present traffic, in round
numbers, yielded a revenue of 7,0001. a year. The share-
holders might take the new shares ; but in the event of
their not doing so, they must of necessity take them into
the market. One•fourth of the money due to Mr.
Jackson had to be paid in a fortnight, but the payment
of the remainder would depend upon subsequent arrange-
ments ; it would be advisable, however, to pay the
amount without delay, in order to avoid the payment of
interest.
The first resolution, annulling the agreement with
Mr. Jackson, was then read,
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to a question, stated that
the Bill for the sale of the bridge was now before Par-
liament. They bad been unable to obtain a com-
mittee, a sufficient number of members not hav-
ing attended on the two occasions in which it was
summoned to form a quorum. They thought they could
not carry it with the opposition which had been arrayed
against it, yet it had not been withdrawn. Their legal
athiseis were of opinion that the transfer of the bridge
could not be considered a public act, in the words of the
preamble, if it had to encounter the opposition menaced;
and though it had been read a second time it was still
before Parliament.
Captain KELLY was surprised that any one could
call a private contract a public benefit.
The CHAIRMAN said Lord Shaftesbury refused to pass
it without these words. The 10,0001. received had been
thus expended :-5,0001. to the Exchequer Commis-
sioners, and the remainder had been carried into the
general account. Thus they had saved the payment
upon the 5,000/. paid to the Commissioners. It was
open to the shareholders to make the new shares a por-
tion of the capital at a future period —they could not
raise more by debentures than they had raised.
Mr. FEW considered that it would not be well to pay
off the new shares at a future period out of the tolls, and
that the option of taking the shares at par at a future
period should be offered to the shareholders.
The CHAIRMAN considered the suggestion a good one,
but he was so confident of the great increase of the
traffic, that no difficulty would be found in paying off the
amount he had stated without interfering materially
with the revenue from the tolls.
The report was then received and ordered to be en-
tered on the minutes.
Mr. ORD censured the conduct of the directors, and
blamed them for not having acted in the same conci-
liatory and upright way in which Mr. Jackson had
acted; if they had done so a great portion of the law
expenses which had been incurred would have been
saved.—(Hear.)
Mr. COPE proposed an amendment to the following
effect:—That it was expedient to postpone the rescind-
ing of the agreement until the financial affairs of the
company had been investigated; and for the purpose of
effecting this he proposed that a committee of seven share-
holders should be elected, three to form a quorum, who,
with the aid of an accountant, should make this inves-
tigation, and that the meeting should adjourn until the
12th of July.
Mr. LLOYD seconded the motion.
Mr. STUTELEY, the chairman of the Market Com-
pany, considered that, as the nature of the accounts had
taken the meeting by surprise, they ought to adjourn.
The liabilities must be paid, but the great considera-
tion was how they were to be paid; he considered,
therefore* that they should not hastily come to a deter-
mination.
After a prolonged discussion, not remarkable for the
temperate manner in which it was conducted, a ballot
took place, when the numbers were—for the motion 73
votes and one proxy, against it 31 votes and 132 proxies,
making a majority of 89 against the original
motion. The seventy proxies belonged to the Market
Company, and were received under a protest, subject to
the opiion of counselStuteley also delivered, in a
protest against this proceeding on the part of the di-
rectors.
The second resolution was then proposed, authorising
the directors to raise 20,000/.
The amendment of Mr. COPE, which had been de-
ferred until this motion, was then proposed.
Considerable discussion ensued.
The CHAIRMAN emphatically declared that the whole
of the opposition arose from the animus which the Hun-
gerford Market Company entertained against them.
Mr. STUTELEY—I deny that.
The CHAIRMAN called upon Mr. Stuteley to define
the grounds of his opposition for as yet: no specific
charges had been made against the directors.
Mr. STUTELEY said the accounts had not been drawn
properly up, as the accounts of all public bodies were
drawn up; that they had a heavy debt with but little
prospect of paying it, and besides their profits had been
materially reduced.
The CHAIRMAN briefly replied. He was quite
justified in the expression he had used, as they found
the Chairman of the Market Company and their clerk
opposing every step they proposed, and altogether their
oppositofion
sme
pwtaaons
yi
nmostwser cent no:phueesnmt and .
by
yc
luanweca,arlt,l
to every
d-
he
hear.)
fr. T
aeorr.y) s
hTahhr
ee books
ehyolhad
ae
dr
paid 4/. per cent., but, owing to their opposition
to the negotiations with Mr. Jackson, they
had been compelled to reduce it.—(Hear.) The
property was improving. Their conduct had compelled
them to seek this additional sum; but they might have
borrowed it without the intervention of the shareholders,
because they had power in the Act; and because they
came forward in the most unreserved manner they
wished to pass a vote of censure upon them, although
they had left nothing undone to promote their interest.
SOl3lO allusion had been made to forfeited shares, and

Week
ending

W )
ILNiOT.
Advertiser,
of Feb. 19, 184'7-'-
(From the Holart Town
The following addresses and replies have been banded
to us, with a request that we would publish them:—
At the monthly meeting of the committee of the Van
Diemen's Land Congregational Union,- 11 th of
February, 1847, 11. Hopkins, Esq., in the chair, it was
resolved—
" That this meeting, in recording the death of his Ex-
cellency Sir J. Eardley Eardley Wilmot, Bart., late Lieu-
tenant-Governor of this island, feel that it is due to his
memory to express their sense of the impartiality of his
government in reference to the various ecclesiastical.
denominations of this colony.
" That they have understood with sorrow that rumours,
affecting his moral character, which they regard as false,-
were received by the late Secretary of State, and so far
credited as to place in abeyance the confidence of the
Crown.
" That this meeting tender their condolence to the
family of the late Sir Eardley Wilmot, and while con-
fiding in the justice of the Sovereign, so far as the injury
inflicted admits of human reparation, commend the be-
reaved to the consolations to be found in the principles
of Christianity.
(Signed) HENRY HOPKINS, Chairman.

Hobart Town, Feb. 12, 1547.
Sir,—l have had the pleasure of receiving your letter,
dated the 11th inst., inclosing a resolution passed by the
committee of the Van Diemen's Land Congregational
Union in reference to the death of my late lamenrg
father.

In the name of my family and myself I return our
sincerest thanks for the kind expressions of condolence
contained therein, which I should feel glad if you would
communicate to the committee, as it will be my great
happiness to do to my family on my arrival in England.
If anything could lessen the grief which we feel upon
so melancholy an occasion, it would be the knowledge
that we share the sympathy of so worthy and exem-
plary a Christian portion of the community.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
H. EARDLEY WILMOT, Major R. A.
H. Hopkins, Esq.

At a meeting of the officers of the Wesleyan Society,
in Hobart Town, held in the vestry of the Centenary
Chapel, on Monday, Feb. 15, 1847, it was resolved—
" 1. That this meeting, in recording the death of his
Excellency Sir John Eardley Eardley Wilmot, Baronet,
late Lieuteaant Governor of this island, feel that it is
due to his memory to express their high sense of the
important services he has rendered the church of which
this society is a section, both here and in England, by
stvaoeaffvrioertreehdtyied pfpinigosiitnstthaneeaes.
ail of his sanction and infuence in a
" 2. That this meeting tender their sincere condolence
eonussataionnd
wdheiteohtehdasLpaledaysoWd Wilmot, under undeProvidencerthe
to permit to come upon her, and also to the family of
the late lamented Baronet.

"3. That this meeting, resting assured that their be-
loved Sovereign the Queen will, as far as it is now pos-
sible, render strict justice to the injured character of the
late Sir Eardley Wilmot, would at the same time fer-
vently Fray that the consolations of our holy religion
may be graciously vouchsafed to those who have been
so afflicted!) bereaved."
(Signed) J. A. MANTON, Chairman.

Government Cottage, Hobart Town, Feb 16, 1847.
My dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter, enclosing resolutions passed at a meeting of the
officers of the Wesleyan Society in this town,'expressing
their high sense of the services rendered by my late la-
mented father to that branch of the Christian church.
I need hardly mention how gratifying it has been to
me to receive such a communication from a body whose
piety and zeal are so well known, and for whom my late
father ever entertained the highest esteem and respect.
It will be highly gratifying to the members of my family
to read such a generous and voluntary vindication of my
father's memory from those aspersions by which it has
been assailed. Ltvy Wilmot will indeed be grateful for
the feeling manner in which they have been pleased to
allude to her melancholy bereavement.
Allow me in conclusion to express to you personally,
and through you to the members of the Wesleyan So-
ciety, the sense which my family and myself must ever
entertain for your and their kind sympathy.—l am, dear
Sir, with very great respect, your obedient servant,
(Signed) HENRY EARDLEY WILMOT,
Major R.A.
Rev. J. A. Manton, Wesleyan Minister.

Hobart Town, Feb. 11, 1847.

Sir—l am directed to inform you, that at the monthly
meeting of the committee of the Van Diemen 's Land Aux-
iliary Bible Society, held on the 18th inst., the Rev J. A.
Manton in the chair ; the following resolution was unani-
mously adopted :
" That this committee have heard, with deep concern,
of the removal by death of the president of this society,
his Excellency Sir John Eardley Earulley Wilmot,
Barone,, ; and beg respectfully to convey the expres-
sions of their condolence to the members of his family,
earnestly hoping that, under this afflictive bereave-
ment, they may be sustained and consoled by the truths
of that holy book, which it is the object of this society
to circulate.' —I have the honour to be, Sir, your faith-
ful servant,

FREDERICK MILLER. Joint Secretary.

RAIL WAY RETURNS.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC.—The following are the Total Receipts of Mall
ways for the past week—that is to say, up to the date to which the
respective returns arc made, together with the receipts of the same
week in the previous year:

Last
week.