The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-01 00:00:00

No. 17,015. LON DON TH U RSDAY
.
4

NATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE ASSU
RANCE SOCIETY.

OFFICE, 26, CORNIIILL, LONDON.
Capital 500,000/.
Empowered by Act of Parliament.
The system of Deferred Annuities, originally proposed by the Na-
tional Loan Fund Life Assurance Society, for the ►etter advance-
meat of the objects of Benefit and Friendly Societies, having received
he approbation of a considerable body cf the active members and
officers of those Institutions, and the Directors of the National Loan
Fund Society having been urgently solicited by them to establish a
Branch Office in connexion with those Societies and the Operative
Classes generally, in which their services might be successfully en-
gaged, a Committee has been sanctioned by the Directors to open
communication with the different Societies, with the view of more
ft•ctnally (1 sseminating the valuable benefits amongst the indus-
rions classes, and a plea has been oroposed with that object. u
ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE.
Many praiseworthy but ineffectual attempts have been made to
bring within the scope and operation of the laws of mortality and
money the savings of the industrious classes, as well as various cal-
culations regulating their distribution, having for their object either
immediate, contingent, or deferred benefits.
A slight eaamication, however, will demonstrate that the con-
struction of these associations or societies is defective; and that in-
stead of affording an easy access and a free choice of investment,
which should be the privilege of every one, they confine too nar-
rowly the channel through which a benefit can alone be secured;
and, in proportion as their action is circumscribe(' and embarraSsed,
their utility is limited. For example, it is not to every individual,
or to every class amongst the industrious community, that provision
in case of sickness is an object of such importance as to call for a
pecuniary sacrifice; wire to others such a provision appears more
attractive, and the loss of employment caused by sickness is a risk
against which they desire to be guarded. For this anomalous state
of things there is an effective and simple remedy ; that is to say,
instead of covering, by one weekly or annual payment, two or more
contingent or deferred benefits, so to arrange it that each separate
benefit should have Its separate contribution.
It is to not having observed this rule, and to the association of

two dissimilar functions, and by confounding a sick allowance and
an annuity fund in one and the self-same payment, that Much of the
evils and mismanagenient has arisen amongst Benefit Societies.
No mechanism can be so perfect for the management of a sick-
_ _

ress-fund provision as that afforded by the constant sectional asso-
ciation and, watchfulness of the several members composing it. By
this means a thorough and constant check is mutually eXercised, and
none but the really sick are likely to become chargeable upon it.
But the same perfection, or the same security, Is seldom, attainable
shore aiazgLia., to. be. s.ccgaulated through a succession of years,
anti where results arc to bear oat calculations, money investment
being in general beyond the experience of the industrious classes.
For these reasons it is clear that the fends destined for a provision in
sickness should be kept entirely distinct from the fund intended as a
provision for old age :
let. Because the laWs of sickness and mortality, though apparently
connected, do not depend on the same calculation.
2d. Because there are a great number who, in order to secure a
larger provision in old age are willing to take the risk of providing
for probable sickness on themselves.

3d. Because the responsibility of managing a provision for old age,
continued to a distant period is, in a great measure, incompatible
With voluntary associations, fluctuating laws, and individual
irre-
sponsibility, and more exposed to a failure in the performance of
such a contract, that when undertaken on the same principles that
ordinarily govern commercial bodies.
4th. Because the expenses of providing for sickness must, when
exited in the same psyment with provision for old age, tend to dimi-
nish still more this provision : nor is it wisdom or good policy to en
danger the one for the sake of the other.
Impre.sed with these convictions, and with an intimate knowledge
of the discussions passing within the bosom of many of the existing
Friendly and Benefit Societies, the Parties whose names are here-
unto attached, have had several meetings, with a view of propoting
or adopting a remedy for those and other evils ; and in this manner
to give an ad litional force to the principles of brotherhood, unity,
and mutual aid, on which friendly societies are based, by guarding
them from the risks of sudden dissolution. _

After much diligent search amon st the combinations ingeniously
proposed from time to time for the attainment of one of the principal
objects of Friendly and Benefit Societies, they have found none equal
In simplicity and comprehensiveness'of design, as well as forethought
and sympathy for the wants of the industrious classes, as the plan
proposed by the National Loan Fund Life Assurance Society. It is
true that the author of that plan has furnished an argument against
provision in sickness; but, without concurring in the immediate ex-
pediency of abandoning a provision in sickness, no one can read the
other pact of the plan itself, without being fully sa'isfled that the
conven ence and safety of Friendly and lienent Societies will be
greatly secured and consulted, by separating the payment of a sick
allowance from an annuity for old age.
A deputation having waited on the directors of the National Loan
Fund, who met in the handsomest manner the overtures made to
them for the establishment of a separate oNce for the transaction of
business connected with-Friendly and Benefit Societies, and the in-

dustrious classes in general, resolutions have been entered into, con-
stituting the undersigned as a Committee, with power to add to its
number, for the promulgation of the benefits contained in the an-
nexed prospectus, under the guarantee of the Capital of the Society,
and which, without interfering with the numerous objects connected
with the institution of Benefit and Friendly Societies, will in their
opinion greatly enlarge their sphere of utility, and afford a protection
to the working classes in old age and adversity, which nothing up to
the present day has adequately secured to them.
Thomas Burthom, P.C.R., Ancient Order of Foresters.
John Fussell, C.R,, Ancient Order of Foresters.
John H. Gordon, D.S., Ancient Order of Foresters.
James Hale, D.C.R., Ancient Order of Foresters.
Henry Hunt, P.G., 'Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows.
Joseph Nugent, Pro. C.S., Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows.
Joseph Reeks, 8.0. F. Order of Old Friends.
Samuel Timbrell, D.d.R., Ancient Order of Foresters.
DEFERRED ANNUITIES.

Example.—A person aged 24 next birthday, by the annual pay-
ment of 11. 615., or quarterly payment of 75., or monthly, payments
of 2s. 2d., may secure, on attaining the age of 60, the option of re-
ceiving Annuity, 101. 195. 2d. ; Cash down, 1071.35. ; or a Policy
on his Life, 1371. 17s.
Example.—A person aged 26 next birthday, may secure, on at-
taining the age of 60, an Annuity of 101., with the other options, by
the annual payment of 11. 6s. 9d., or a single payment of 221..175. 341,;
or on payment of 61. 14s. 3d. for disparity, he will be entitled to
the same benefits by an annual payment of 18s. lid., the same as
or age 90.
Example.-1 person aged 30 next birthday, by the annual pay-
ment of 11. 65., or quarterly payment of 75., or monthly payment
of 2s. 2d., may secure en attaining the age of 65, the option of re-
ceiving Annuity, 181. Os. 4d.; cash down, 1481. 12s. ; or a policy on

his life 1751. I Is.
Example.—A person • aged 35' next birthday, by the annual pay-
ment of 11. 65., or quarterly payment of 75., or monthly payment
of 2e. 2d., may secure, on attaining the age of 65, the option of re-
ceiving Annuity, 181. Os. 4d. ; cash down, 1481. 12s. ; or a policy on
his life, 1751. lis

LIFE ASSURANCE.
Example. —A person at the age of 30 next birthday may secure
.he sum of 1001. payable at his death, whenever it may happen, and
also participate in tiaeAnnual Division of Prollti, by the annual pay-
ment of 21. 9a. 3d.

Example.—A person at the ago of 29 next birthday, by the pay-
ment of 4s. per month, or Is. per week, may Incure the sum of
1121.55. pay abe at his death, whenever it nay happen, and like-
wise share in the annual profits of the Society.
F. FERGUSON CANIROUX, Secretary.

ATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE ASSUR-
ANCE SOCIETY,
26 CORNIIILL, LONDON.
Capital £500,000.
Empowered by Act of Parliament.
This Institution embraces important and substantial advantages
with respect to Life As.uratices an Deferred Annuities. The assured
.1,13, on all occasions, the power to borrow, without expense or for-
eture of the Policy, two-thirds of the uremiums paid (see Table) ;
elso the option of selecting benefits, and the conversion of his in.
erests to meet other cot-ivenlences or necessity.
Assurances for terms of years are
atm.

lowest possible

DIVISION OF PROFITS.
The remarkable success and increasing prosperity of the Society
has enabled the Directors, at the last annual investigation, to declare
a ;earth bonus, varying from 35 to 85 per cent. ea the premiums paid
•a each Policy effected oa the Profit scale.
EXAMPLES.

Me division of profits is annual, and the next will be made in
Teember of the present year.
F. FERGUSON' CAMROUX, Secretary.

FIRE INSURANCES OF EVERY DESCRIPTION ARE
UNDERTAKEN BY THE
COTTISII UNION INSURANCE COM-
L." PANY, 37, Cornhill, London, on tho most liberal terms and
conditions.
Special risks reasonably rqted.
Renewal receipts for insurances falling due at •Lady-day aro now
ready.
Printed particulars of the large bonus just declared in the Ll°
Department nuay be had oil application.
F. G. SMITH, Secretary.
37, Cornhill, London.

LEGAL and GENERAL LIFE ASSURANCE.
No. 10, FLEET-STREET, LONDON
Notice is hereby given, that the Annual General Meeting of the
Members of this Society will be held at the Office, No. 10, Fleet-
street, on FRIDAY the 16th day of April next, at One o'clock pre-
cisely.
The Vacancies OCCP.3IOIICd by four of the Directors and two of the
Aulitors going out of office by rotation, will then be filled up. The
Directors and Auditors going out are re-elegible.
By Order of the Board,
T. It. EDMONDS, actuary.

LEGAL and GENERAL LIFE ASSURANCE.
No. 10, Fleet-street, London.
Notice is hereby given, that an EXTRAORDIN'ARY GENERAL
MEETING of the Members of this society will be held at the Office,
No. 10, Fleet• street, on FRIDAY, the 16th day of April next,
at Ilalf-past One o'clock precisely, for the purpose of declaring the
AMOUNT of PROFIT to be set apart, out of the Assurance Fund,
in respect of the period commencing at tile establishment of this
Society, and ending with the 31st day of December last.

By order of the Board,

T. It. EDMONDS, Actuary.

TUE EXPERIENCE LIFE ASSURANCE
COMPANY.
Edinburgh, 15, George-street. London, 58, Bing William-street.
Established 1843.
Capital 300,0001.
This Company's Tables are based upon the EXPERIENCE OF
TINE SEVENTEEN LIFE OFFICES,as contained in the Report
of their Mortality published in 1843. The Company embraces, in
its constitution, the advantages of both the mutual and, proprietary
systems of Assurance. The SHORT PERIOD RATES will be found,
in comparison with other Companies, to be exceedingly favoarablo to
I urers, and the rates for the whole period of life as luw as is
consistent WITII PERFECT SECURITY.
For prospectuses, &c.. apply at the offices as above, or to any of
the Agents throughout the kingdom.
Sy order of the Directors,
T. YUILLE WARDROP, Secretary.

H E LICENSED VICTUALLERS' and
GENERAL FIRE and LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY.
Empowered by Act of Parliament.
ADELAIDE-PLACE, LONDON-BRIDGE;
No. 11, QUEEN-STREET, EDINBURGH;
No. 30, OLDHAM-STREET, MANCHESTER; and
WASON'S-BUILDINGS, LIVERPOOL.
The Company transact business in every department of Life and
Fire Assurance, in Annuities, Reversions, and Loans.
AcTusnr —J. T. Clement, Esq.
LIFE DEPARTMENT.
A sum far more than equal to the value of the policies is invested
in the public securities, in the names of the trustees, so as to Le at
all times available.
At the last quinquennial meeting there was added a bonus to the
Life Policies equal to 25 per cent. on the sums paid, and a bonus of
5 per cent. was added to the Shares, in addition to the payment of
the annual interest.
For the convenience of parties wishing to assure for a specific sum,
without a prospective bonus, a mew table at lower rates has been
calculated, on which, as well as on the participating scale, one-half
the praminin may remain on interest at 5 per cent. for five years,
thus enabling a person to insure his life for 1,0001. on the immediate
Payment of the premium for 5001. only.
The following are the annual Premiums for the Assurance of 1001.
for the whole Life, one-half of which may remain fbr five years by
merely paying the interest annually at five per cent. ; and should
Use Policy become a claim in the interim, the amount due will then
be deducted.
Age 30, without profits.. £1 13 0 With profits . • • • • • • £1 18 0
30 " • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 19 3 ...... .............. 2 5 8
53 ' • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . 4 3 4 ............... ..... 4 9 6
For short periods the Premiums are considerably lower, and for
any ages or contingencies not usually advertised information may be
obtained on application to the Actuary or Secretary.
FIRE DAPARTMENT.
The Company insure houses, funiture. stock in trade, farming
koek, and every description of personal pros:A:ay, agaiust loss or
damage by fire.
Insurances may be effected for any period of time ; if for seven
Years, the rreiatual aDd Duty will only be charged for six.
DIGG, Secretary.

Clements-lane.
t AeN Y .
A 9
li.jOMBIARDS-STREET. coCrnEer of- CC
°NCoYa2pital 2,000,000/., in 100,000 Shares of 201. each.
TRUSTEES.

~vV
John Shaw Leigh, Esq. H. B. H. Blundell, Esq,
JOSIAS BOOKER, Esq., Chairman.
HUGH .J. SANDEItSON, Esq., and CHARLES TURNER, Esq.,
Deputy Chairmen of the Board of Directors in Liverpool.
DIRECTORS IN LONDON.
Samuel Baker, Esq. I William Wainwright, Esq.
Robert Dudgeon, Esq. George Young, Esq.
SURGEOWR—E. A. Lloyd, Esq., F.R.C.S., Surgeon to St. Bartholo-
mew's Hospital ; and Hugh J. Sanderson, jun., Esq.
ACTUARY —Percy M. Dove, Esq.
BANKERS—Messrs. Robarts, Curtis, and Co.
SOLICITOR—C. T. Junkinson, Esq., 29, Lombard-street.
SURVEYOR—John Newman, Esq., F.S.A.
SECRETARY TO THE LONDON BOARD—G. EL Whyting.
The Directors of the Royal Insurance Company, consisting of a
large body of responsible proprietors, beg to announce that they are
ready to afford to the public many important advantages in effecting
either Fire or Life Insurances.
Tables of Rates, and any particulars that rsay be required on the
subject of Assurance, will be given on application at either of the
Company's offices, or any of its appointed agents.
P. M. DOVE, Manager.
The Directors are willing to receive applications from per-
sons of Influence, intelligence, and activity, to undertake agencies
in the vicinity of the metropolis, it being their determination only
to appoint agents possessing those qualifications.
N.B. All Fire Insurances becoming due on Lady Day should be
paid on that day, or within fifteen days after.

Part 111., April 1, 1847. Price Sevenpence.
I-yowl-Lys JOURNAL OF LITERATURE
AND PROGRESS.

Edited by WILLIAM and MARY HOWITT..

The Monthly Part for March, contains :—Four.splendid Engrav-
ings, by W. Measo.n and J. W. Linton ; Portrait of George Sand ;
John Pounds, the Founder of the Ragged Schools, amongst his
Scholars ; Coming Spring, a Landscape ; Portrait of Jenny Lind.
The Literary Articles are by the -following writers :—John A. Ile-
raud ; Silverpen ; R. H. Horne, author of Arian ; Elihu Burritt ;
Abel Paynter ; William Hincks, F.L.S., Dr. Carpenter, F.It.S.;
Hans Christian Anderson ; Edward Youl • Henry F. Chorlcy ;
Goodwyn Hamby ; Dr. Bowring, M.P. ; Richard Howitt ; Mary
Gillies i • William Bridges; Francis Bennoch ; Mary liowitt ; Wil-
liam Howitt, &c.
London : Published for the Proprietor, at ill, Strand, and sold
by all Booksellers.

THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY
I.is now Published every
TUESDAY AND FRIDAY,
Of the full Parliamentary size, price THREE PENCE -HALFPENNY.
The extensive circulation of the "Mercury," in the most opulent
and populous districts of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire, ren-
ders the paper one of the best mediums in the North of England for
Advertisers.
Printed and published by Smith, Rogerson, and Co., Liverpool.
Advertisements received by the tesdective Agents in London and the
oountry.

On Saturday next, Bvo., 2s. 6d.
THE SCHOOL, in its relations to the STATE,
the CHURCH, and the CONGREGATION ; being an expla-
nation of the minutes of the Committee of Council on Education, in
August and December, 1846.
John Murray, Albemarle-street; and to be had of all Booksellers
in Town and Country.

THE WELLINGTON SURTOUT.
A NEW LIGHT REPELLENT OVER-COAT FOR THE
SPRlNG.—Registered 6 and 7 Viet., cap. 65.—PATRONI$ED by
H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT, the ROYAL FAMILY, bis,Grace the
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, the PRINCIPAL NOBILITY, and
OFFICERS of the GUARDS.
This gentlemanly garment, cut without seams on the shoulder,
so as to improve the figure, and which (owing to its elasticity) ats
equally well either SIP an over-coat or LIGHT SUMMER FROCK,
is made of a peculiar cloth, manufactured in the west of England,
expressly for this coat, of double twist warp and weft, and finest
Saxony wool. It is guaranteed to endure and maintain'its' primitive
appearance at least twice the time of ordinary cloth, however good
the quality, as it does not wear white or rough, and although re-
pellent, is perfectly porous. The sleeves are lined with ar ich dura-
ble silk, so that the coat slips on and off easily, and, owing to its
softness, lightnes, and elasticity, the wearer experiences perfect
ease and freedom when the coat is buttonedi
The WELLINGTON ,URTOUT commends itself to all who desire
a quiet, elegant, gentlemanly appearance ; it is kept in every size and
leading colour, ready for immediate wear, price Two Guineas and a
Half, net cash on delivery. Every genuine coat has a stamp bearing
the royal arms, with a number indicative of the size, and name and
address of the patentee, JAMES FOUGERE, 6, CONDUIT-
STREET, REGENT-STREET, and 11, POULTRY, near the MAN-
SION-HOUSE, LONDON.

TO LADIES.
OWLAND'S K. AL Y DOR
an ORIENTAL BALSAMIC PREPARATION of singular
efficacy in thoroughly purifying the Skin from all Pimples, Spots,
Blotches, Redness, Freckles, Tan, and Discelourations, producing a
healthy freshness and transparency of Complexion, and a softness
and delicacy of the hands, arms, and neck. It is invaluable as a
Renovating and Refreshing Wfish in Travelling ; and. in cases of
Sunburn, Stings of Insects, or tircidental Inflammation, its virtues
have long a' d extensively been acknowledged. Its purifying and re-
freshing properties have obtained the exclusive patronage of the Queen,
the Court, and the Ito} al Family of Great Britain, as well as the
principal Coati. of Europe, and the most distinguished Nobility and
Gentry of all civilised nations.
Beware of Spurious " KALYDORS," containing mineral as-
tringents utterly ruinous to the complexion, and which, by their re-
pellent action, endanger health. Each bottle of the genuine has
the words " ROWLANDS' KALYDOR" on the wrapper, and A.
ROWLAND and SON, 20, Hatton-garden, is also en,,raved (by desire
of the Hon. Commissioners) on the Government Stamp affixed on
each. Price 4s, 6d. an I Ss. 6d. per bottle.
Sold by the Proprietors, and by Chemists and Perfumers.

PLA
A B. SAVORY ant
Ex.. Silversmiths, 14, Cornhill
England—The best wrought SI LVI
Pattern, 7s. Od. per ounce ; King'
following are the weights recommc
lighter or heavier, at the same pric

d SONS, Manufacturing
El, London, opposite the Bank of
ER SPOONS and FORKS, Fiddle
;'s Pattern, 7s. 2d. per ounce. The
ended, but the articles may be had
ce per ounce :
King's Pattern.
1 oz. s.d. s. d.
112 Table spoons 40 at 72••14 68
12 Dessert ditto 26 at 7 2.• 9 6 4
112 Table Forks 40 at 7 214 6 8
112 Dessert ditto 26 at 7 2 9 6 4
1 2 GravySpoonsl2 at 7 2 4 6 0
I 1 Soup Ladle 12 at 7 2 4 6 0
E 4 Sauce ditto 12 at 7 8 412 0
4 Salt Spoons (strong gilt) 2 2 0
E 1 Fish Slice .
El 2 Tea Spoons 14 at 7 8.• 5 7 4
1 Pair Sugar Tongs• •.•
A as a Newspaper, illustrated by
tatton relative to the purchase of
sad on application, or will be sent
answer to a paid letter.

Fiddle Pattern.
oz. s. d. Is. d.
12 Table Spoons 30 at 7 0 10 10 0
12 Dessert ditto 20 at 7 0•• 7 0 0
12 Table Forks 30 at 7 010 10 0
12 Dessert ditto 20 at 7 0— 7 0 0
2 Gravy Spoons :0 at 7 0•• 3 10 0
1 Soup Ladle 10 at 7 0.• 310 0
4 Sauce ditto 10 at 7 6.• 315 0
4 Salt Spoons (gilt strong) 1 0 0
1 Fish Slice
12 Tea spoons 10 at 7 6.• 3.150
1 Pair Sugar Tongs •
N. B. A Price Current, stamper
drawings, and containing informs
Sliver or Sheffield Mate, may be h
into the country free •f postage, in

No. 61, Grosvenor-street, Bond-street.
MESSRS. MOSELY, Surgeon-Dentists, have
BEMOVED from 32, Haymarket. Their system of sup-
plying Artificial Teeth ensures the power to masticate, without
lessening the taste of the palate by artificial covering, or injuring
the adjoining teeth by use of wires. Their teeth are unchange-
able in colour, and perfectly resemble the original. Decayed teeth
permanently tilled and restored t. use, superseding extraction.

THE STOMACH and the EARS.—AII persons
subject to indigestion, bile, flatulence. and costiveness, It
they have once commenced taking opening medicines, rind that
each dose begets a necessity for another, until at length incurable
disease closes the scene. But let them procure of William Pine, 369,
Strand, Dr. SCOI T'S APERITIVE VASE, and then, by insane
merely of a little water, they can, in a few minutes, get rid of their
sufferings safely and agreeably. W. Pine begs to aid, that he is the
only person authorised to sell Dr. Scott's SONIFERS, the most
novel and effective invention for restoring hearing at present known.
Descriptions sent per post.

ON NERVOUS DEBILITY AND GENERATIVE DISEASES.
JUST PUBLISHED, THE, THIRTIETH THOUSAND,
An Improved Edition, revised and corrected, 120 pages, price 25., in
a sealed envelope, or forwarded, post-paid, to any address, secure
from observation, for 2s. 6d. in postage stamps, illustrated

with numerous Anatomical Coloured Engravings, -
A N H 0 0 D:
The Causes of Its Premature Decline; with Plain Direc-
tions for its Perfect Restoration.

A Medical Essay on those diseases of the generative organs,
emanating from solitary and sedentary habits, indiscriminate ex-
cesses, the effects of climate, and infection, &c., addressed to the
sufferer in youth, manhood, and old age ; with practical remarks on
marriage, the treatment and cure of nervous and mental
debility, impotency, syphilis, and other urino-genital diseases.
by which even the most shattered constitution may be restored, and
reach the full period of life allotted to man. The whole illustrated
with numerous Anatomical Engravings on steel, in colour, explain-
ing the various functions, secretions, and structures of the reproduc-
tive organs in health and disease; At ith instructions for private cor-
respondence ,cases, &c.
By J. L. CURTIS and 0., Consulting Surgeons, 7, Frith-street,
Soho-square, London.
REVIEW OW THE WORK.

" Ccrans ON MANHOOD. ( Strange). Having for many years been
the standard work on these diseases, its originality is apparent, and
its perusal breathes consolation and hope to the mind of the patient."
—Naval and Military Gazette.
Published by the Authors, and may be had at their residence ; sold
also by Strange, 21, Paternoster-row; Hannay, 63, Oxford-street;
Mann, 39, Cornhill, London; Sowler, 4, St. Ann's-square, Man-
chester; Philip. South Castle-street, Liverpool ; Campbell, 146,
Argyle-Street, Glasgow ; Robinson, 11, Greenside-street, Edinburgh;
and in a scaled envelope by all booksellers.
Mews. CURTIS and CO. are to be consulted daily at their resi-
dence, No. 7, FRITH-STREET, S'YlO-SQUARE, LONDON, and
Patients can have this work privately forwarded them, by initial or
otherwise, to any part of the 'United Kingdom, direct from the
Author's Residence, or from any of the above agents, on remitting
2s. 6d. in postage stamps.

FIRE-DAMP EXPLOSIONS IN FRANCE.--A dreadful
explosion of fire-damp took place in a coal-mine near Mons,
on the 22d, at a time when fifty men were in ir. Twenty-
six were killed ; the others were got out more or less injured.
An explosion of the same kind also took place on the 23d, iu
one of the coal-pits of La Graine, in Alsace, and caused a
dreadful loss of life. Out of thirty-six workmen in the pit
at the moment, twenty-four perished, and the other twelve
seriously burnt. Seventeen of the bodies have been fr.,,t
~ut, but th,: other still re,nain iii al:, pit, it being
possible to reach the spot where they are lying, in conse-
quence of a portion of the coal bed being on fire. Nothing
has transpired to show how this accident has occurred.

VAN DIEMEN'S LAND COMPANY.
On Tuesday the annual general meeting of the
directors and proprietors of this corporatiOn, established
very many years ago to promote agriculture and grazing
pursuits as well as settlement in the colony of Tasmania,
was held at the company's house, Great Winchester-
street, to receive a report of the last year's proceedings,
the election of directors who 'have vacated office by
rotation, and upon other matters. The governor, Mr.
Cattley, presided. The minutes of the last meeting were
read and confirmed.

The Secretary, Mr. HOWELL, read the report, which
stated—" That the Government survey of the company's
lands had been completed, and that the Lieutenant-Go-
vernor of Van Diemen's Land was about to forward to
the Secretary of State the tracings and descriptions of
those lands, with a view to the grant of the requisite
warrants by her Majesty's Government, and the directors
are now enabled to state that the said documents have
been received, and that Earl Grey has signified the
intention of Government to carry out this arrangement
fully, in pursuance of the company's charter. Steps
have been accordingly taken for preparing and sub-
mitting a Bill for the sanction of the grant by Parlia-
ment, and the directors trust that an ACt to empower
her Majesty to convey the lands in question to the com-
pany will be obtained in the present session of Parlia-
ment. The proprietors will be gratified at learning that
the lands thus awarded to the Company, by an agree-
ment between the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's
Land and the Company's chief agent, as shown by the
tracings and descriptions transmitted to Earl Grey, con-
sist as follows. viz. :—Circular Head,2o,ooo; Surrey Hills,
150,000 ; Hampshire Hills, 10,000 ; Middlesex Plains,
10,000; Emu Bay, 50,000; Woolnorth, 100,000; Robbins
Island, 24,450 ; Walker's Island, 1,720.; and Trefoil
Island, 255—making a total of 366,425 acres. 'Valaable
as these extensive grants must ultimately prove, yet
the directors regret to add that the expectation which
they had entertained o? their hecoming'so at- a very
early period, has been frustrated by Sir Eardley
Wilmot's announcement to Mr.' Gibson, that in con•
sequence of the Government surveyor's unfavourable
report of the line of road previously laid down between
the settled districts and Emu Bay, the Government
gangs had been withdrawn to another quarter of the
island. The result, however, of an interview with the
present Lieutenant-Governor, before his departure from
England, leads the directors to believe that the project of
establishing such a road will ere long be resumed, and this
expectation is further confirmed by the accounts of the im-
proving state of the commercial, agricultural, and financial
interests of the colony, as to the unprecedented depression
of those interests, and the consequent want of funds for
public works, rather than the difficulties of the line of
road, its abandonment may probably be attributable.
The proprietors are aware that the chief inducement
held out to settlers to take farms on the company's
heavily timbered lands, was an engagement to take its
produce at certain prices. The engagement was
entered into just before the commencement of
the pecuniary embarrassments and stagnation of
all enterprise throughout the island, and the results
have been very disadvantageous to the company, as
the produce delivered into the store by their tenants was
hardly saleable at any price—the loss, however, has not
been so heavy as might have been at first supposed, be-
cause in the earlier years of occupation the clearance and
cultivation of land proceeded but slowly, and the tenants,
therefore, instead of being creditors, became largely in-
debted to the company for indispensable advances of
provisions and stores. Those ad vances at one time reached
20,2571. 88. 5d., and from the tenor of the latest advices,
it would appear that they still exceed 10,000/, but
the increase in the tenant population, and the rapid
clearance of land (amounting altogether to 1,640 acres
under the plough), leads to the belief that a great part
of this debt will be liquidated in the course of the years
1847 and 1848; so great in fact is the progress of
cultivation, that the directors would regard with some
degree of alarm the prospective success of their
tenants, were it not that the improvements in the
markets of Australia hold out the expectation of
remunerating prices for produce delivered to the com-
pany. Should these prices be maintained, as may
not unreasonably be assumed, for the next three
years, there will- be no further loss to the company
from over production by their tenants, as in
March, 1850, their leases; and with them all the
company's engagements will terminate. The sales
of cattle and sheep have been inconsiderable, and at
very low rates, and the horses disposed of were few,
and netted small sums i • the exact amount cannot be
accurately shown, as, from some unaccountable delay,
no account of sales have yet been received. On the other
hand, the sales of live stock for the tenants' subsistence
have been very large. The company's clip of wool for
the year 1845, consisting of 74 bales, realised, at
public auction, 1,0751. 193. lid. In the course
of the eight months from the sth of January
to the sth of September last, 29 vessels had
arrived, and 31 departed from Circular Head
to foreign ports, besides numerous coasters trading be-
tween Stanley, Emu Bay, and Launceston, and that
the traffic was progressively improving. Whilst pro •
vision bad thus been made to advance the com-
mercial interests of the now societies growing up at
Stanley and Emu Bay, every attention has • likewise
been paid to their moral and religious improvement,
and the directors have great prleasure in stating that
as far back as March, 1846, the chaplain, the Rev. Mr.
Grigg, had secured the services of a respectable and
well qualified schoolmaster and also a mistress, for the
schools at Stanley. A master and mistress had likewise
been obtained for schools at Emu Bay, where buildings
for the purpose were in course of erection, at the cost of
the tenants, and Mr. Grigg states his sanguine expecta-
tion that both places will shortly possess as many social
advantages, and exhibit its fair a social character as any
like amount of population in any rural district of Eng-
land."

Upon the question that the report be adopted and
printed for circulation among the proprietors, many
questions were asked by proprietors present,
The GOVERNOR, in reply, said, he as well as the direc-
tors had to regret the report was not more favourable,
but they had laid before the court all the facts that had
come to their knowledge. Every effort had been made to
reduce expenditure in the colony. The great object to be
obtained was, that the corporation should become land.
lords, not farmers. Upon the company's lands all poor
but industrious men would succeed in bettering their
condition in life. With respect to the defalcation in the
number of sheep which appeared to exist in the report,
tull returns had not been received of the number which
was at Woolnorth, accounts relative to which had
not yet come to hand. Upon the whole, however, there
had been a considerable increase in the company's flocks.
As soon as a title could be given' to the lands sold by the
company, which would be the case very soon, no doubt
there would be plenty of purchasers.
A PROPRIETOR complained that for seven years the
tenantry system had been going on at great loss, and
that the results had been so small.
Mr. RoucEsioNT explained, that owing to the panic
the directors had directed Mr. Gibson, the coin.
pany's agent in the colony, to be cautious. The
prices of produce in the colony had been exceedingly
low, but the markets were rallying, wheat as
well as other produce, as well as stock, was in
demand for Australia and the Cape of Good Hope,
As almost all attention in Australia was directed to the
working of copper mines found in the sister colony, it
was probable that agricultural pursuits would not be
followed up with so much avidity. This would give a
better chance for the produce of Van Diemen's Land.
The company's agent, Mr. Gibson, when he learned the
state of the markets in England and Ireland, would re-
gulate his course accordingly.
After some further discussion the directors sad
auditors were elected.
A vote of thanks was then passed to the governor
and directors,
The GOVERNOR, in returning thanks, observed that
they wished to encourage the emigration of the more
decent portion of agriculturists of industrious habits, and
possessing some small property. To these the ooinpany
would afford many facilities, such as the loan of bul-
locks, sheep, utensils, &c., with a view to encourage the
tenants, and bring on their estates a class of people who
would keep their engagements. He was happy to say
that on going to Van Diemen's Land, such emigrants
would find every encouragement and kindness from their
exc llent clergyman as well as their chief agent, whose
solicitude for those emigrating to the colony was most
praiseworthy.
The meeting then adjourned.

INFERNAL MACIIINE-::—It appears that a diabolica.
attempt kas lately.been made to tire the large stack-yard
of Mr. Allez, of the Bordages, St. Saviour's, who has
been recently released from prison for contempt of court.
coveredgesof powder,with
matcloose hay, was found un-
derneath. bound together with
On removing a stack a few days ago on his premises, a
bundle
or
The amadoux, , had evidently been
lighted, but appears luckily to have been extinguishedetafc,aratnrdid
slow-match,
am
from being too tightly bound to the packet attached to it;
otherwise, no: doubt, one of the largest stackyards in
Guernsey would have been reduced to ashes.—Guernsey
Sun.
ARRIVALS OF CORN IN IRELAND.—The arrivals
of corn, meal, flour, and other edible produce continue to
be immense. The prices of food, we rejoice to say, are,
in consequence, falling rapidly.—Dublin Pilot.
An advertiser, in a Western paper, who rejoices in
the various occupations of lawyer, doctor, justice of the
peace, and dry good merchant, adds the following to his
list of pursuits and qualities :—" N. .B.—Auctioneering
of the loudest kind, interwoven with ventriloquism."—
Philadelphia Gazette.
Mr. Fitzgerald, of Holbrook, near Horsham, has
issued an address to the constituency offering himself to
H
their notice. The
on. Gentleman does not deem it
necessary (or prudent, perhaps) to set forth his political
views in a " preliminary address," though report saes
that he is a Tory Protectionist to the back-bone.—
Brighton Guardian.
FALKLAND.--TUREE LIVES LosT.—An accident
of a very lamentable nature occurred at Forthar Lime
Works on the afternoon of Friday last, whereby three
men were instantaneously called into eternity, whilst a
fourth was so injured that he is not expected to recover.
The accident was occasioned by the falling of a huge
mass of rock from the face of the quarry in which they
were employed. Upwards of two hours elapsed befure
the bodies of the unfortunate tam were got out.—
Edinburgh IVitne6s.