The Sun.
London, England, 1871-01-27 00:00:00

THE TRUCK SYSTEM.

On Thursday Mr. C. S. C. Bowen, one of the Com-
missioners appointed to inquire into the working of the
truck system, sat in No. 9 Committee-room of the Hcuse
of Commons and heard the evidence of Mr. David
Dale, of Darligton, managing director of the Consett
Iron Company. The witness's evidence refered parti-
cularly to the old system of fortnightly payments to the men,
and the introduction in many cases of weekly payments.
He did not consider the payment at fortnightly intervals
produced any inconvenience in the North of England, or
placed the men under the power of the shopkeepers. He
however thought if weekly payments were desired, the
masters would endeavour to meet the wishes of the men
though great difficulty would be experienced in carrying
out the plan in outlying collieries. The witness also
pointed out the way a manufacturer who carried on his
business in conformity with the trunk Act was prejudiced
in competition with another who set the Act at defiance.
A further adjournment ultimately took place.

The half-yearly meeting of the Great Eastern Ra
way Company is called for the 15th February.
The Rev. H. J. Buckoll has resigned his master,
ship at Rugby.
The Pall Mall Gazette states authoritatively tha:
the Government insurance in connection with the Post
Office is working satisfactorily.
Her Majesty's Staghounds will meet next Monday
at Langley Station ; on Wednesday, at Maidenhead
Thicket ; and on Friday, at Wingfield Church. Each
day at 11.45.
An American editor has discovered that
Parisian "pigeon express" has Scriptural authority. In
Ecclesiastes x., 20, is found, " A bird of the air shall
carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell
the matter."
A. telegram from Lisbon received at Lloyd's states
that information has reached there from Rio Janeiro of
the total loss, on the 6th of December, of the steamer
Borneo, off Cape Santa Martha. Thirty-seven persons,
including five passengers, were drowned.
A meeting of Republicans has been held in Bir-
mingham for the purpose of forming a Republican Club.
There was a good attendance, and a large number of
letters were read from parties desirous of joining the club.
About forty persons who were present were also enrolled
as members.
Two Liverpool detectives have apprehended at an
hotel in Dale-street, Liverpool, a man named Thomas
Hallam, who was charged with forgery to the amount of
£270 on Messrs. Robarts, Lubbock, and Company's bank,
Lombard-street, London. About £l4O was found in his
possessi3n.
There will be an election to two fellowships in
Brasenose College on Friday, February 3. Candidates
for one of the fellowships will be examined in subjects
recognised in the classical schools, and questions will be
given in modern history. The examination for the other
fellowship will be in mathematics, and, if desired by can-
didates, in natural science.
Of the many causes which contribute to the esta-
blishment of feeble h3alth among indoor workers, the
products of illuminating gas must hold the first place. To
the use of an excessive quantity of gas—excessive as
regards the size of the room and the capability of removing
the products of the combustion of gas—may we attribute,
in no small measure, the large number of cases of con-
sumption. To this cause is due, almost entirely, the
great number of deaths from consumption among com-
positors, and the delicate health of shopmen and others
who are engaged where much gas is used.--British Medical
atonal.
KINAHAN'S LL WHISKY.—This celebrated and most
delicious old mellow spirit is the very cream of Irish
Whiskies, in quality unrivalled, perfectly pure, and more
wholesome than the finest Cognac. Brandy. Note the
red seal, pink label, and cork branded " Kinahan's LL
Whisky." New Wholesole Depot, 6A, Great Titchfield-
street, Oxford-street, W.