The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-06 00:00:00

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.

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We copy the following with reference to some pro-
ceedings in the courts, which will be fresh in the recol-
lection of our readers :

" At a meeting of gentlemen favourable to the protec-
tion of public journals against unjust attacks of persons
whose practices may have been fairly exposed. held this
29th day of December, 1846, at the Royal Hotel, Ply-
mouth, Benjamin Parham, Esq., in the chair, the case of
Holdsworth against the proprietors of the Plymough
Journal being known to the persons present, and they
being aware that the heavy costs incurred by the pro-
prietors will have to be borne by them, it was
" Resolved unanimously, that a subscription be en-
tered into in aid of the expenses incurred by the pro-
prietors, and that circulars be forwarded to all establish-
ments and persons likely to contribute.
" Resolved, that Mr. Parham, Mr. Elworthy, Mr.
Mends, Mr. Faning, and Mr. Dabb be a committee of
management ; that Mr. Fatting be treasurer, and Mr.
Mends be secretary.

"BENJAMIN PARHAM, Secretary.
" The chairman having quitted the chair,
" Resolved, that thanks be given to him for presiding
on this occasion.

" Subscriptions will be received by the treasurer or
secretary ; and also at the Naval Bank, Plymouth ; the
Devon and Cornwall Bank, Plymouth ; and the Ply-
mouth branch of the National Bank of England."

WATERFORD, JAN. I.—Arrd. England, Everard, Quebec;
2d, Vivid, Wilson, Boston. Sld. Ist. Lovely Maria, Stanton,
St. John's, Newfoundland.
ST. JOHN'S-WOOD AND PORTLAND-TOWN PROVIDENT
DISPENSARY.—The second annual meeting of the general
committee and governors was held on Monday, at tho
institution, 98, St. John's-wood-terrace. The Dispen-
sary was established a twelvemonth ago for the purpose
of affording medical relief to its members, the cost being
defrayed by their subscriptions, and donations received
from other quarters. The Rev. Edward Thomas pre-
sided. The governors, in their report,
congratulated the
members on the progress made during the
thpast year in
the affairs of the institution, the objects of which they
conceived to be fully carried out. Their distinguishing
feature was, that while the institution placed within the
reach of the necessitous such medical relief, drugs, and
other necessaries, as they might require, it also en-
couraged habits of providence, industry, and frugality,
by securing to mechanics, reduced tradesmen, and
other individuals of limited earnings, good and
speedy medical attendance, &c., when required, at a
nominal expense, and without the difficulty of procuring
admission tickets. In addition to the advice and medi-
cines dispensed, meat, wine, &c., had been provided,
and patients attended at their own houses in many cases.
The number of persons who had been enrolled members
since the formation of the institution was 418, among
whom 650 cases of sickness had occurred. The total
number of persons who had received relief was 580, the
relief in some cases having been gratuitous ,• of these
525 had been restored to health, 7 had died, and 48 were
still under the care of the surgeons. The accounts of
the society were as follows :—Receipts during the past
year, 249/. 16s. id.; expenses, 1991. 10s. 9d. ; balance in
favour of the institution, 501. ss. 9d. The report having
been unanimously adopted, it was agreed to present
201. each to the two medical officers, as a slight return
for the valuable services rendered by them to the society;
after which thanks were voted to the chairman and to
several other gentlemen present for general attention to
its interest, and the proceedings terminated.
ThE DRY Docx, MALTA.—This stupendous work
at the head of the Dockyard creek, on the S.E. and by
E. side of the Great Harbour, was commenced by driv-
ing the first pile May 10th, 1842. The first stone was
laid May Ist, 1844, under the plans of Mr. Scamp, and
carried out by Mr. Walter Elliott. It is fast approach-
ing towards completion. The extreme length, from the
gates to the centre of the bow, is 274 feet, and to the
square 222 feet; the width 82 feet; and the depth from
the level of the water 25 feet. It is constructed of lime-
stone, principally from Goza, being less porous than any
other stone found in these islands. At either end will be
two capstans of great power. Except, of course, the en-
trance, the dock is surrounded by arched vaults, of im-
mense strength, which will be available for stores.
Surrounding the dock, and forty feet from its
margin, factories, smithies, carpenters' workshops, &e.,
will be erected. There are two-engines of twenty
horse power each, which have been employed
from the commencement of the work in pumping
out the water, in order to set the masonry dry, and the
same engines will be permanently fixed for pumping out
the water from the dock, which it is calculated they will
do in ten hours, when a vessel is docked; and also for
driving the machinery of the new factories. The en-
gines are under the superintendence of Mr. Hamshaw.
The dock will be able to receive a 120 gun ship, or the
largest steam. frigate (with her paddles on) in the navy.
Until recently, there were about 2,000 persons at work
in the quarries or elsewhere connected with the dock,
having in their families about 5,000 souls. Now, how
ever, there are only 300 employed. The first class
masons receive Is. 4d. a day; second class is. 2d.; third
class Is. Id.; labourers first class is., second class 10d.
The cost of the dock, it is estimated, will be about
90.0001., independently of factories, &c., which are not
yet estimated. The amount has been paid out of funds
granted for the purpose by the British Government.
This will be the most valuable and complete dry dock in
the Mediterranean, we may almost say in the know*
world.—Malia