The Sun.
London, England, 1847-06-24 00:00:00

_ -
of escape, and exerted their utmost in vain. In the space
of 76 minutes they were utterly destroyed. One blew
up, one was burnt, another sank, and the other two,
being crptured, were set on fire, after the wounded were
removed.

The jury gave a verdict for the amount claimed.
Great inconvenience and delay arose in this court in
consequence of none of the parties in the different cases
being ready to go on, and in this case it was commenced
without witnesses being present; it was, therefore, made
to last nearly four hours.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
(THIS EVENING.)

From their own report. and according to actual ob-
servation,:the number of Cochin-Chinese killed is esti-
mated at upwards of 1.000.
On the destruction of the corvettes, the junks and
forts ceased their fire. Neither was taken possession of,
which would have been sufficiently easy. It was, how-
ever, no part of M. La Pierre's plan either to make war
on the Cochin Chinese or to plant the French flag on
their territory. His object, in protecting his ships and
crews against a conspiracy, and maintaining the honour
of his nation, he considered as effected by the utter de-
struction of the corvettes. On the day following he took
his departure, no attempt at farther communication, on
either part, having been made. The fire of the Cochin-
Chinese, for the most part, fell short or was directed too
high.
La Gloire had neither killed nor wounded, and only
suffered a little in her rigging. La Victorieuse, being
more exposed, had only one killed, and one wounded by
the loss of his right hand. The damage to her hull and
rigging inconsiderable, and immediately repaired.
The Victorieuse reached Hong-Kong on the 21st of
April, having on board the French Bishop of Loo Choo,
who was present.

HOUSE OF LORDS.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the Wool-
sack at Five o'clock.

RAILWAY COMMITTEES

NORTH KENT RAILWAY.
The Duke of WELLINGTON presented a petition
from the Mayor and inhabitants of Dover, in favour of
the proposed North Kent Railway, praying their Lord-
ships to pass some measure which would have the effect
of taking the monopoly of the traffic of the whole
county of Kent out of the hands of the existing South
Eastern Company.
MES,AGE FROM THE COMMONS.
Messengers from the Commons brought up a number
of public and private Bills.
HEALTH OF TOWNS.

(THIS DAY.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.
Room B.

CALEDONIAN BRA.NCEES TO CANOBIE.
This Committee met to-day at eleven o'clock.
The evidence for the opponents to this Bill was pro-
ceeded with.

The Duke of Buccleuch was examined, and stated
that he was the proprietor of the Canonbie coal-fields, as
well as the whole of the parish of Canonbie, and the pro-
posed Caledonian branch would run for three miles
through his estate. He was opposed to that railway
being constructed because it would cut up the beautiful
piece of land between the Esk and Liddesdale, so cele-
brated in border song. The objection could be got rid
of by the way in which the North British Company pro-
posed to go past Canonbie. He had no objection to a
line properly constructed to the Canonbie coal pits. He
had supported that line, as, independently of its affording
accommodation to Canonbie, it would connect the im-
portant town of Hawick with the south—a most valuable
district for grazing and agricultural purposes, which a
railway would contribute to open up. The portion of
the country between Canonbie and Hawick was very
thinly populated, and would not pity for the construction
of the proposed railway.
Cross-examined—He believed that the Nithsdale Com-
pany last year went no further than Canonbie, and the
North British Company had a scheme for a line of rail-
way between Carlisle and Hawick. Both of these
schemes had been lost. He was in favour of the first,
and he gave evidence in support of it. He believed also
that he petitioned in favour of the Nithsdale and Ca-
nonbie branch. This branch proposed to cross the
Caledonian main line at Gretna, and went to Canonbie.
He had no objection to admit that the present branch
would be of considerable benefit to the country west of
Canonbie, and would also cause the Canonbie traffic to
go on the Caledonian as far, perhaps, as Lockerbie.
The present branch of the Caledonian line was very little
different to that of the Nithsdale scheme of last year.
The line this year was quite clear of "Johnny Arm-
strong's Tower," which lay more in tho direction of
Langtioltn. Canonbie Lea was all pasture ground, and
let to the tenant.

The Bishop of LONDON presented several petitions
in favour of the Health of Towns Bill. The petitioners,
however, complained of the omission of London from the
operation of the Bill, and the Right Reverend Prelate
said he entirely concurred in that opinion of the petition.
The Earl of RADNOR presented similar petitions.
Lord BROUGHAM agreed with the petitioners that
it was to be regretted that the city of London was ex-
empted from the provisions of the Health of Towns
Bill, but he trusted the Bill would meet with no opposi-
tion on that account. _

btrlY Ebuton

SUGAR IN DISTILLERIES.
Lord WIIARNCLIFFE put a question to the Noble
Lord the President of the Board of Trade with re-
spect to the quantity of sugar used in breweries and
distilleries.

SUN OFFICE, Seven o' Clock.

TATTERSALL'S_THIS EVENING
Six o'cLocii.

The Earl of CLARENDON was sorry that his in-
formation on the subject was extremely meagre. The
Act had been in operation only four months, and no
official returns had yet been received as to the quantity
of sugar which had been so consumed, but 6,300 cwts.
had been taken out of bond for that purpose.
THE PRISONERS IN PORTUGAL.
Lord BROUGHAM called the attention of the Go-
vernment to the number of prisoners who were at
present in confinement in Portugal, who he thought
should be set at liberty on parole. From the evidence
he had of the circumstances he was strongly disposed
to believe that they were an exceedingly well disposed,
but obstinate people. He considered, therefore, that re-
leasing them would be a popular act, and one to which
this Government should give their assent, as there was
no longer any danger to be apprehended from them.
, He wished to know what course the Government in-
tended to adopt with respect to the liberation of Das
Antas and other persons confined in Fort St. Julian on
parole?
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE, who was most indis-
tinctly heard, was understood to say, that not only did
Das Antes occupy a most distinguished position, but,
what was better, still he was an honourable soldier.—
(Hear.) He could assure the Noble and Learned Lord,
that Das Antes and the other persons at present confined
in Fort St. Julian would not be kept in captivity longer
then the safety of the country rendered necessary.
At the same time a disposition had been manifested on
his part, and on the part of his followers, which was
strictly honourable ; whilst, on the part of the British
Admiral and British officers the greatest desire had
been evinced to show that attention to Das Antas which
his character and station demanded. The Noble Mar-
quis concluded by laying some papers on the subject on
the table.

GOODWOOD STASES.
20 to 1 agst Milliner
25 to 1 agst Martext
25 to 1 agst Egis
25 to 1 agst Burgundy

GOODWOOD CUP.
5 to 2 agst The Hero
10 to 1 agst Eryx
10 to 1 apt Fitz Brains
15 to 1 apt Burgundy

ST. LEGER.
5 to 2 agst Cossack
6 to 1 agst Van Tromp
16 to 1 agst Farmer's Daughter

QUEEN'S BENCH.—(THIS DAY.)
(Sittings at Nisi Prins before Lord DENMAN.)
HILTON V. LORD GRANVILLE.
In this case, which was concluded last evening, the
jury found that the custom in the Duchy of Lancaster,
from time immemorial, was not to remunerate the
owners of houses for injury caused to them by the work-
ing of mines; but they found further, that the plaintiff
had a perfect right to the' foundatioia of his houses, and,
as injury had been caused'to them by the mode in which
the defendant had worked his mine, they gave a ver-
dict for the plaintiff on the general issue for 30L, that
being the amount of the damage done, the general issue
being that the plaintiff's rights had been invaded. Bills
of exceptions were tendered on both sides. The effect
of the verdict will be argued next term, and will, in all
probability, come before a court of error.
PROSECUTION FOR PERJURY—THE QUEEN V. STRAFORD.
This was a prosecution at the instance of Mrs. New-
ton, the wife of Mr. Newton, the barrister, against the
defendant, a solicitor, for wilful and corrupt perjury in
an affidavit made by him in certain law proceedings in
the Court of Chancery between Mr. Newton and Lady
Rickets, the mother of his wife, and the executors of the
late Sir Robert Rickets. In the course of these proceed.
ings an order was made by the Master of the Rolls that
all matters not clearly relating to the matter at issue
should be expunged, or " sealed up." The order was
carried out by the defendant, and several items were
obliterated by having white paper pasted over them. He
filed an affidavit, setting forth that he had " covered up"
all irrelevant passages; but it appeared that many had
been expunged which materially related to the case, and
hence the present proceeding against him for the com-
mission of wilful and corrupt perjury.
Tha several documents in the case having been
handed in,
Mr. Sergeant WILKINS called Mrs. Newton, the
prosecutrix, who stated that she was married to Mr.
Augustus Newton, the barrister, in 1828. At that time
the defendant was her father's legal adviser. She was
entitled to a sum of 2,0001. under her aunt's will, and
the defendant, soon after her marriage, visited her, and
proposed that her husband should settle the amount on
her. He said he was commissioned to do so by her
father, but the proposition was not agreed to. The de-
fendant said afterwards, when he was examined in the
Court of Common Pleas, that the purport of his visit
was to state that her father intended to increase her in-
come. She had received nothing since her father's
death. Sh• had three children. The defendant sent
her husband a copy of her father's will and a copy of
the settlement of 1840, but he never received from him
any account of the settlement made in 1832.
Cross-examined by Sir F. THESIGER—Her marriage
was not altogether agreeable to her parents. Did not
visit them after her marriage. 2,0001. was paid, but it
all went in a short time. On an inquiry before the
magistrate respecting a charge against her mother and
others of forging her father's will, she was called to
speak to her mother's handwriting. After the dismissal
of the case by the magistrates of Cheltenham, she went
before the grand jury on a charge preferred against her
mother and her brother, Sir Cornwallis, of forging de-
clarations in her father's name, for the purpose of re-
ceiving his half-pay. Received 251. after her father's
death. Up to her lather's death she received about 1201.
a year.

The engineering e►idence was then proceeded with.
Preamble proved.

Room C.

BIRMINGHAM, WOLVERHAMPTON, AND
STOUR VALLEY (No. XL) BRANCHES.
Their Lordships met this morning at eleven o'clock.
Mr. Robert Stephenson, C.E., was re-examined by Mr.
Hope on behalt of the promoters of the scheme. The
narrow gauge was much more suitable for the develop-
ment of the traffic in the Staffordshire districts. It
could be much more easily worked in connexion with
the existing canals of that district, and it would also
have the advantage of communicating with the great
majority of the railways at present constructed, or in
course of construction, throughout the country, without
break of gauge. By the construction of this line, Stour-
bridge and the whole of the mineral district would be
placed on an unbroken communication with the whole of
the Midland system of railways—the North-Western
Railways, and the Oxford and Birmingham Railway as at
present authorised to be constructed. It was his opinion that
canals could not successfully compete for the long
traffic with railways, except perhaps in such articles as
coals and minerals, not requiring a speedy transit; but
even in the case of coals, such a system of pilfering was
habitually carried on, that the loss by that system fre •
quently exceeded the whole cost of carriage. Coals had
also to contend against the disadvantage of drought in
summer and frost in winter. Many canal companies had
wisely foreseen the unequal contest in which they were
about to be engaged, and had, in order to prevent the
consequences of such competition, either purchased,
leased, or projected railways themselves; and it was his
most decided opinion that unless the railways of Stafford-
shire could be made to work in conjunction with
the canals, the public could not possibly derive
any benefit from the competition. The pro-
posed line would afford facilities for being worked in
conjunction with the canals. The line was not projected
merely as a competing line, but as one which was
imperatively called for by the growing wants of the
district which it proposed to supply.
Mr. Rastrick, C.E., examined by Mr. LAING—He had
gone over the proposed line, and considered it well
adapted to provide tor the wants of the district, and as
giving ample accommodation to the various coal mines
and iron works of the district.
In his cross examination he admitted that he had laid
out a line in the year 1836 through the same districts,
the gradients upon which were.somewhat more favourable
than upon this line, and if he had to lay out a line at
present in the district, he would not lay it out exactly
in the same manner as the present one; he would adopt
his original line, with such alterations and modifications
as he thought the increased trade of the district might
call for.

The conversation then dropped.
BIRMINGHAM AND OXFORD RAILWAY.
Earl DEVON presented a petition from the chair-
man and directors of this railway, denying that they
had fraudulently kept back scrip certificates at the
meetings which had led to the recent proceedings. The
Noble Earl stated that he should to-morrow bring for-
ward a motion on the subject.
PORTPATRICK AND DONAGHADEE.
The Marquis of LONDONDERRY wished to ask
the Noble Lord at the head of the Admiralty the
opinion of the Government respecting the suitability of
Portpatrick and Donaghadee as harbours of refuge, and
what were the intentions of the Government with respect
to them.

Lord AUCKLAND was understood to say that the
subject was under the consideration of the Government,
and he had no doubt that when the means of railway
communication were appended -to those parts,the
Government would undertake to complete the harbours.
BISHOPRIC OF MANCHESTER.

The Marquis of LANSDOWNE moved the order of
the day for bringing up the report on this Bill.
Lord REDESDALE moved as an amendment the
omission of the second clause.

The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said the Noble Lord
was two early with his amendment. The Bishop o
Bangor had an amendment before him.
The Bishop of BANGOR then rose to introduce the
amendment of which he had given notice.
After a few words the report was agreed to.
(LEFT SITTING.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
REPORTS.
The reports upon the following Bills were brought up
and ordered to lie upon the table:—
Bingley Improvement.
Poyin afield Estate.
South Devon Railway Extension and Amendment.
TUNSTALL PAVING, &c.. BILL.
The motion for the further consideration of the report
upon this Bill was agreed to.
LORDS' AMENDMENTS.
The Lords' Amendments to the following Bills were
agreed to :
Atabergate, Nottingham, and Boston and Eastern Junc-
tion Railway (Alteration of Line and Branches to
Nottingham).
Bristol and South Wales Junction Railway and Aust
Ferry.
British Commercial Insurance Company (No. 2.)
Caledonian Railway (Glasgow, Garnkirk, and Coatbridge
Railway; Branch to Glasgow Station).
Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway (De-
viations between Duntocher Lime Works and Bow-
ling, &c.)
Cornwall Railway.
Dunfermline Waterworks.
East Lincolnshire Railway (Deviation at Boston, and
Branch to Great Grimsby and Sheffield Junction Rail-
way at Grimsby).
General Terminus and Glasgow Harbour Railway
Branches.
Glcucester and Dean Forest Railway (Construction of
Docks).
London and North-Western Railway (Purchase of the
Earl of Ellesmere's Interest in the Manchester South
Junction and Altrincham Railway).
Llynvi Valley Railway Extension.
Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland (Newcastle,
Anniskinnan, and Baltrasna Deviations).
Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford Railway Devia-
tions.
Newry and Enniskillen Railway.
Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway Act Amendment
and Branches.
Swansea Docks.
Vale of Neath Railway.
THIRD READINGS.
The following Bills were read a third time and passed:
London (City) Improvements.
Nevi bury Cemetery.
Norwich Small Tenements.
St. Ives (Huntingdon) Improvement.
PAISLEY, BARRHEAD, AND HURLET
On the order of theRAILWAY.
day for the third reading of this
Mr. HUME presented a
Bill being moved,
petition
by the inhabitants of Paisley and
numerously signed
Pollocksbaws, com-
plaining of the injurious effects which would result from
giving this railway a monopoly of the traffic. He per-
fectly concurred in the objections of the petition, and
should oppose the further progress of the Bill by moving
its third reading on that day six months.
Mr. HODGSON thought that there were no sufficienl
grounds alleged for the postponement of this Bill.
Mr. BANKES thought that the case of the present
Bill was one which showed strongly the necessity of
appointing some persons acquainted with the local wants
of the district on the Committees appointed to inquire
into the merits of such Bills as the present. He should
like to know from the Learned Lord Advocate how far
the agreement entered into between this company and
a certain canal company was legal or illegal.
The LORD ADVOCATE gave it as his opinion
that the agreement was perfectly illegal and unautho-
rised by the existing Acts of the Legislature, under
which the company was formed.
Mr. HENLEY, as a member of the Committee, said
that the line was considered by the Committee solely as
a mineral line, and not at all intended for passenger
traffic, and he should support the older of the day for
the third reading of the Bill.
Mr. ESTCOURT thought that the Bill ought not to
be allowed to be proceeded with.
After a few words from Mr. BAINE,
Mr. STRUTT said the Railway Commissioners were
decidedly of opinion that the agreement was illegal, and
as their opinion was subsequently confirmed by the law
officers of the Crown, the Commissioners did not think it
necessary to inquire further into the matter. The
agreement, however, had not yet been set aside by a court
of law, and he thought, therefore, that the Bill ought to
be postponed till next session.
Mr. HASTIE said, if the House would consent to
the Bill standing in the same position next session that
it was in now, he would adopt the suggestion of the
Right Hon. Gentleman the Chief Railway Commissioner.
The third reading was accordingly adjourned till
Monday next, for the purpose of being postponed till
next session.

In consequence of the absence of Mr. Brunel, their
Lordships adjourned until 11 to-morrow.

Room D.

NEWPORT, AZDRGAVENNIG AND REN.

FRE W.

Re-examined by Mr. Sergeant WlLKlNS—Believed
her father died worth 100,0001.
Sir F. TRESIGER said his personal property was sworn
under 60,0001.
Mr. Sergeant WILKINS—And you have received but
251.? Witness—Yes.
Mr. Newton was then examined by Sir FREDERICK
THESIGER—He said no settlement was executed at his
marriage ; 2,4001. was paid to their joint draft about a
year after his marriage, which was expended within two
years. He was a law student at the time of his mar-
riage, to which Sir Robert gave his assent the night
before it took place ; but both Sir Robert Rickets and
Lady Rickets objected to it up to a certain time. He
was called to the bar in Trinity term 1a37 ; took the
benefit of the Insolvent Act in 1840. The amount of
his debts were something under 12,0001. His available
assets were small indeed—not absolutely nothing, but
very nearly nothing. He took the benefit of the In-
solvent Act again in 1843, after the death of Sir Robert
Rickets. His debts were then 1,2004 ; his assets he
fancied nothing at all. He preferred a charge against
a person named Wright, in the employ of the defendant.
A warrant was also issued against the defendant, and he
believed Lady Rickets was arrested. The defendant
was brought down to Cheltenham to answer the charge.
He conducted the case himself, bat he never insinuated
that his father-in-law had been poisoned. The case was
dismissed. Did make use of the expression " Men who
make their wills have but a little time to live—his will
was signed within a week of his death." He with his
wife also appeared before the grand jury of which Mr.
Grantley Berkeley was the foreman, the uncle of Mrs.
Colonel Rickets, and the charge of forgery was dis-
missed. Obtained a warrant against a valet of Sir
Robert, named Clarke, on the charge of encouraging a
person unknown to slay Sir Robert, but the charge was
dismissed. Gave hie mother-in-law into custody, in St.
Paul's Churchyard, it a policeman, on the charge of
forging declarations, and appeared against her the next
morning, when his wife was called as a witness to her
father's handwriting ; but it was dismissed. Subse.
quently be preferred a similar charge against his
mother-in-law and Sir Cornwallis before the grand
jury, but the bill was ignored. He was still at the bar,
and was a member of the Middle Temple. Had been
refused permission to dine in the hall for twelve months.
Examined by Mr. Sergeant WimuNs—Had sold the
reversionary interest of property to the defendant. The
probate of the will had been recalled by the Will Court.
This was the case for the prosecution.
Lord DENMAN said the pasting over of the items was
liable to great suspicion.
Sir FREDERICK THESIGER said it was usual to adopt
such a course in the Courts of Chancery. He then pro-
ceeded to address the jury on behalf of the defendant,
and contended that the charge could not be maintained ;
that the defendant had simply acted as the legal adviser
of the family, and had been acquitted of blame in this
matter by the arbitrator appointed to investigate the
matter by the Court of Chancery. He commented at
considerable length upon the unimpeachable character
of the defendant, and upon the conduct of Mr. Newton,
who bore, he said, a disreputable and notoriously bad
character, and whose acts,. •he said, as shown in his
evidence, were sufficient to condemn him.
Several witnesses were called, who stated that the de-
fendant bore an irreproachable character.
The jury Acquitted the defendant.

The Members of this Committee met to-day at eleven
o'clock.

The evidence was resumed.
Mr. Bly, engineer, was cross-examined, and stated
that he did not know whether anything had been
done with the line from Hereford to Pontypool,
but the line from Abergavenny to Pontypool
was being proceeded with. Not a sixpence,
however, had yet been certified for that line.
Stourport was near Dudley, and was distant from their
railway about 25 or 30 miles. From Cheltenham to
Oxford there was a broad gauge. There were some very
steep gradients on the line before the Committee.
Some further engineering evidence in support of the
line was adduced.

The Committee decided that the preamble of this Bill
had been proved.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GROUP VI.
ZIENLICS AND HANTS EXTENSION.
The Committee met at the usual hour, and proceeded
to hear evidence with respect to this line.
The first witness called was Mr. John Hall, grocer, of
Newbury, who gave evidence of the advantages which
he would derive in carrying on his business if a con-
nexion were afforded to him with Bristol and the west of
England.

Mr. MERREWEATHER was proceeding to cross-examine
this witness on behalf of the inhabitants of the town of
Devises, when he was interrupted by
Mr. ALEXANDER., who objected to his appearing on
that petition.
After hearing the arguments on both sides, the Com-
mittee decided that the Learned Counsel could not ap-
pear upon that petition, but that he could, of course,
pzentelirei
reappear on the petition of certain landowners whom he
Horner, barge master of Newbury, gave evidence
awhebeNneefiwtbsuwryhaienbdwthoeulwdesrtesoufltEnfrgolmanda. con-
nt° a
esxi ons toh:een
Mr. Brunel, C.E., was examined with respect to the
line, the total length of which was about 33 miles, and
the estimated cost 600,0001. There was no tunnel upon
the line, nor any level crossings. The gradients were
very favourable, and there was no curve of less than
four furlongs radius.
This closed the case on behalf of the promoters.
The case of Mr. S. Taylor, a petioning landowner, was
then opened by Mr. Sergeant Murphy.
The Committee adjourned till twelve tomorrow.

GROUP VIII.
This Committee met at the usual hour this morning ;
Mr. Young in the chair.
SUTTONPOOL HARBOUR IMPROVEMENTS•

The Committee were engaged the whole of the day
in receiving engineering and general evidence in favour
of this Bill.
The Committee adjourned at four o'clock.

GROUP XXX.
.AXIXOLDIE MEOW LEEDS AND SELBY).
The Committee met at the usual hour, and proceeded
to hear evidence in favour of the proposed extension of
the Leeds and Selby Railway.

GROUP XXXIX.
The Select Committee appointed to consider the
merits of the Bills comprised in this group reassembled
at the usual hour this morning; Lord Charles Wellesley
in the chair.

SHERIFFS' COURT.—(THIS DAY.)
(Before Mr. Under-Sheriff 13uRciam..)
SKITTER V. THE EARL OF MORNINGTON.
This was an action brought by the plaintiff to recover
the sum of 171. 10s. for wages, as coachman to the
defendant.
The defendant had put a plea of not indebted on the
record, but no one appeared on his behalf.
Mr. Newman, a job-master, of Regent-street, proved
that he recommended plaintiff to Mr. Robins, who was
his Lordship's man of business, and 355. a week was
mentioned as wages, and that was reasonable, as the duty
was very arduous during the session of Parliament.
Witness's father supplied the carriage and horses.
The UNDER-SHERIFF said the question was whether
Mr. Robins had authority to make the bargain.
The plaintiff's attorney said the defendant used the
carriage driven by plaintiff.
The UNDER-SHERIFF said it Was a question for the
jury.
The jury found for the plaintiff.
BROWNE v. DENNES
n this action is Da
coal merchant at Pim-
lico, and defendant is an attorney. The action was
brought to recoverpeadthe sum of 61. 2s. for coals.
Defendant
wild hthpaid into court.at be was only indebted to the
he
amount of 141
faPtehrer°ljot,,dozsome law proceedings,
It appeared that a
named Monk had recom-
mended defendant'
that he was doing
but no personal interview
ess was trans-
, afterwards ordered coals, and the
; but the latter
some law business. After these the
ferred to the son, without the knowlsediga of
and the son, the present defendantplaintiff
, was paid the whole
of the costs.
The defendant admitted having ordered 14s. worth o
coals for his offices, but repudiated the order for the
others, which had been supplied at
.his father's house.
The UNDER-SHERIFF thought that if the plaintiff had
executed the order, considering it was on the credit of
his attorney in the cause, he was entitled to a verdict.

DECISION.

LEEDS AND THIRSIC (LEEDS, DITRILS.III

AND NEWCASTLE EXTENSION).

TOME AND NEWCASTLE (MAIN LINE
IMPROVEMENT AND EXTENSIONS).

-- ,
The case for these two Bills hating been closed, Mr.
BAINES replied.
The room was then cleared, and the Committee having
consulted for a few moments, strangers were re-admitted,
when

The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee bad
come to the decision that the preamble of the Leeds and
Thirsk Bill was not proved, and that the preamble to the
York and Newcastle Bill was proved.
The Committee then adjourned.

CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY (EX-
TENSION AT HOLYHEAD).
The third reading of this Bill was opposed by Mr.
WILLIAMS, who considered it one of the most shame-
less jobs that had ever been perpetrated, and
Mr. HUME, who moved that the Bill be read a third
time that day six months.
After a few words from Mr. BROWNE, which were
inaudible,

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE.
HOUSE OF LORDS.
The following Bills passed through the Committee of
Standing Orders:—
Shrewsbury and Chester Railway.
Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Junc-
tion Railway (Alteration).
Kilmarnock Police Improvement.
London (City) Small Debts.
Lynn and Ely Railway.
Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction Railway
(Purchase or Amalgamation).
Eelinburgh and Northern Railway (Burntisland Pier).
South Staffordshire Railway (Cannock and Norton
Branch).

Captain HARRIS said that he would take it upon
himself to say that that harbour could never become one
of refuge. He had arrived at that conclusion from a
careful perusal of the evidence taken before the Com-
mittee.

Mr. ROEBUCK wished to ask the Right Honourable
Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether
the expenses likely to arise from the maintenance of
the harbour had been calculated in his budget, or whe-
ther it had been omitted altogether, and also whether
in the present state of the finances, it was intended to
disburse any further sums on account of it.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
the question was one of last year. It had been agreed
that a harbour should be constructed at Holyhead ; all, I

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sat yes-
terday, and heard a number of motions and petitions
from New South Wales, Bengal, and Bombay. The
Lords present were the Master of the Rolls, Lord
&Bard ajmu,dathleofethheaniedlmlora.
B.oft;hceouDmuchy of Cornwall,

THN SUN, LONDON, THVB,SDAY EVENING, JITNIt 4,
_ISO

therefore, which they had to consider, was whether the
expenses could be covered by the vote which was grs.atc d
last year for this purpose.
Mr. WILLIAMS said it was just as he expected.
No provision had been made by the Right Hon. Gentle-
man in his budget.

Mr. MUNT2 thought that the question before the
House was, whether if they passed this Bill the House
would not become bound to make the harbour at all
costs? That was the question, and he believed it rightly
stated the effect of their passing the Bill.
After a few words from Lord SANDON, strangers
were ordered to withdraw, and the House divided, when
there appeared—

POr the third reading 9O
Against it

Majority
The Bill was then read a third time and passed.
SUPERANNUATION FUND.

Colonel THOMAS WOOD presented a petition in
favour of an extended application of this fund.
POOR LAW ADMINISTRATION BILL.

Mr. BANKES gave notice that, in Committee, he
would propose several amendments in this Bill.
FRAUD IN THE SALE OF BREAD.
The HON. MEMBER also gave notice of his intention
to bring in a Bill for the prevention of fraud in the sale
of bread, by the more effectual detection of offenders.
PUBLIC WORKS IN IRELAND_ *"*"'
_

Mr. GEORGE A. HAMILTON asked the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer, whether the circular of the
Board of Works, recently issued, in which it is stated,
" that all works commenced under the Act 9 and 10
Vic. c. 107, and for which presentments have been ob-
tained at extraordinary sessions (whether roads, bridges,
opening watercourses, thorough drainage, &c.) shall be
finally discontinued on or before the 15th of August
next," is intended to apply to works of a reproduc-
tive character and permanent utility undertaken
by private individuals under Mr. Labouchere's letter,
and the undertakings for which were ratified, and the
amount made chargeable upon the lands by the Act of
the present session, 10 Vic., c. 10; and if so, in cases
where any such works shall be in an unfinished state on
the 15th of August, whether the balance of the sum so
chargeable will be advanced to the persons liable, to
enable them to complete the works themselves; or if
not completed under the provisions of the Act, in what
manner it is proposed that the money expended upon
works so left unfinished on the 15th of August is to be
apportioned between the owner and occupier.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that there were no public works in Ireland which would
not be concluded at the end of July.
RAILWAY ACCIDENTS.

Mr. RICE wished to ask the Right Ho- n. Gentleman
the Chief Commissioner for Railways whether the
Commissioners had adopted any means to protect the
public on railways; and if so, what steps had been taken
in reference to the late accidents.

Mr. STRUTT said, by an Act of Parliament the
companies were obliged to give the Commissioners
notice of any accidents within forty-eight hours after
they occurred. The Commissioners then might
call upon these companies for information in regard
to the accident, or they might send down their
own officers to investigate the occurrence on the spot
and then to adopt such arrangement as they might think
proper to prevent the recurrence of accidents in
future. Of late there had been three accidents,
at Dee Bridge, at Wolverton-station, and on the
Brighton and Chichester. In regard to the first, the
Commissioners sent down Captain Symonds, and an emi-
nent engineer, Mr. Walker, along with him, who drew up
a very able report, which was laid before the grand jury.
The conclusion which these gentlemen came to was,
that additional experiments were necessary to test
the strength of cast iron to be used on railways. A
commission, consisting of scientific and practical men,
was appointed to investigate this subject ; and the com-
missioners had written to all cempanies requiring
those who had cast iron hedges on their line
to send in information to that effect, and what were
the various dimensions; and also, if any such bridge was
not judged sufficiently strong, requiring them to
strengthen it temporarily, and, until that was done, to run
the trains across it at a slow and deliberate pace.
With respect to the accident at the Wolverton station,
which arose from the neglect of a servant employed by
the comnany, Captain Simmonds was sent down to
investigate all ,the circumstances,o the case. A report
was made, in whi-...11 the directors of the North-Western
Company fully concurred. With respect to the third
accident, that on the Chichester line, which arose from
one of the engines getting off the rail, Captain Cod-
dington was sent—cursorily sent—down to the spot to
investigate into the matter. The attention of the com-
missioners had been called to that accident, and finding
that
.great alarm existed on the subject, and that an
opinion prevailed that it was not safe to travel by this
line; it was thought right to institute an inquiry with re-
spect to the working of that line, as well lines generally
through the country. The investigation was then in
progress, but as that inquiry had not terminated, and as
the coroners inquest was not over the result could not
yet be communicated. Other accidents had occupied
the attention of the Commissioners, who were most
anxious to fulfil their duty.
Mr. STRUTT, in reply to a question from Sir J.
Duckworth, said that the regulations to which he re-
ferred were confined to the Brighton and Chichester line.

IRELAND.

DUBLIN, JUNE 2
THE IRISH FISHERIES.

Colonel Jones, Chief Commissioner of; ne Board
of Works, is now making a tour of the coast of
Ireland, with a view to the adoption of measures for
improving the harbours and fishing stations. The
Gallant Officer is to be in Cork on Thursday next.
Parliament has made a grant of 40,0001. for this
object.