The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-20 00:00:00

the property of George William Stone, from his
person.

Mr. W. Cooper appeared to prosecute ; Mr. Horry
and Mr. Worlett were for Macdonald and Collins, and
Mr. Payne for Stevens.
The plaintiff had been hocussed and then plundered.
It did not seem that pro!,ecutor had gone to the house
for an improper purpos, but had been dragged in.
The jury Acquit!ed Stevens, and found the other
prisoners Guilty. Plummer, who had been before
convicted, was ordered to be transported for fifteen
years, and the prisoners M'Donald, Collins, and Hill
fur ten years.

MIDDLESEX SESSIONS, Dee. 19.
(Before Mr. Sergeant ADAMS, Assistant Judge.)

MUSIC AND DANCING ESTABLISHMENTS.

On the grand jury coming into court to presen
some bills,

The Learned JUDGE said he would take that oppor-
tunity to mention that, in the course of the day, a
bill would, he believed, he submitted to them against
so:ne persons for keeping an establishment for music
and dancing, in contravention of the provisions of the
25th Geo. It, c. 36.—a description of proceeding
which latterly had been discussed to some extent, in
consequence of a series of prosecutions having been
instituted under that statute. It was supposed by
many that the magistrates could not grant a licence
for music only, to the exclusion of dancing, but he
was satisfied that the magistrates had the power to do
so, for the whole matter was vested in their discre-
tion. He did not think the Act applied at all to
public-houses, but to places where public entertain-
ments were given, such as assembly•rooms, gardens
of public resort, and concert-rooms. it was an Act
which was greatly misunderstood ; but in those cases
which were occasionally brought forward under its
provisions jurors were bound to act upon their oaths,
and he was hound to administer, to the best of his
ability, the law as it existed, justly and fairly.
The grand jury then retired.
A person named Collins was indicted for felony,
but the bill could not be taken before the grand jury
in consequence of a policeman who was a witness in
the case being as the Central Criminal Court. The
grand jury having waited some time for the arrival
of the officer, who had been sent for, they came into
court and requested to be discharged, but the Learned
Judge requested them to wait a short time longer.
The messenger returned to the court and informed
the judge that he had applied to the Common Sergeant
to allow the officer to leave for half-an-hour, as the
grand jury were waiting to take his evidence, and
that the Common Sergeant had replied that he had
already given one messenger his answer, and he should
not delay the business of his court to forward that of
the Middlesex Sessions.

The Learned JUDGE said he was extremely sorry
that he should have received such an answer from
one of the authorities of the city of London. It hap-
pened that the policeman was a witness in two cases—
one at this court, and the other at the Central Cri-
minal Court ; and, although he had respectfully
informed the Common Sergeant that the grand
jury at this court were being detained solely because
the officer was not in attendance, having no other
case before them, that learned functionary not only
declined to accede to that request, but threatened to
estreat the policeman's recognizances if he left the
Central Criminal Court. Knowing that the Common
Sergeant could easily dispense with one man's
attendance for the short time he was required here,
having a number of other cases to dispose of, he (Mr.
Sergeant Adams) had again sent a messenger to
inform him that the grand jury were still waiting for
the man's attendance, and they had just heard from
the messenger the Common Sergeant's reply. He
regretted that such an answer should have been sent,
but he lamented more that a failure of justice should
be the consequence •f that answer. He had no
alternative but to discharge the grand jury at once,
and he tendered the thanks of the county for the
services they had rendered. He should not, like the
civic authority, threaten to estreat the policeman's
recognizances; but, on the contrary, would allow him
his expenses.
•
The grand jury then retired.
At the rising of the Court the prisoner was
discharged by proclamation, there being no bill found
against him.

RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE.
SOUFH WALES RAILWAY.
The adjourned half•yearly meeting of this com-
pany was held yesterday, at the Paddington station
of the Great Western Company, to receive the report
of the committee appointed at the half-yearly meeting
in August last, and to consider the propriety of
adopting the report of the directors ; Mr. Talbot,
M.P., in the chair.
Mr. WNAGUTEN, the chairman of the committee,
stated that it was his duty to submit the report of the
committee on the present position and future prospects
of the company. After the reading of the report to
the meeting he woull be happy to answer any ques-
tions with regard to it. and to enter into any expla•
nations that may be desirable. The committee had
stated in the report that it was not desirable at present
to proceed with the line further than Swansea ; but
since it had been printed they had made inquiries, and
they thought it would be desirable to go as far as
Carmarthen. In the amended report, to meet that
alteration of opinion, they had inserted Carmarthen
instead of Swansea.
Mr. SAUNDERS, the secretary, then read the report
of the committee.
Mr. M'NAGHTEN moved that the report be received
and adopted, which was seconded.
Major COURT objected to that part of the report
which referred to proceeding with the line from
Swansea to Fishguard. Their first object should be
to complete the line between Gloucester and Swansea,
and bring it into profitable operation before enter-
taining the question of proceeding any further than
Swansea. the Great Western Company would then
be obliged to work that portion of the line, provide
the working stock, and hand over the whole of the
profits to the South Wales shareholders. He had no
doubt that the line would be worked in a faithful
manner,
in
from the opinion of the committee, ex-
pressed ntheir report, it appeared that it would be a
good paying line. In proposing to work the best
portion of the line first, he did not intend to release
the Great Western Company from their guarantee,
but merely to ascertain what the line would pay, so
as to form some opinion as to the propriety or other-
wise of going to Fishguard. He objected to the
measure suggested in the report with regard to the
creation of preference shares, fur in nine cases out of
ten their tendency was to deprive the original shares
of dividends, and nothing but the most dire necessity
should cause their adoption. If the line from Won.-
cester to Swansea, 94 miles in length, could be com-
pleted for 2,970,0001., the sum stated in the report,
it would be at the rate of 31,000/. per mile, and to
get 5 per cent. on that sum would require a profit of
1,6001. per mile per annum; and allowing 1,0001. for
working expenses, it would require a receipt of 2,6001.
per mile per annum. This was not a very consider-
able sum to expect from such a line. He was not ac-
quainted with the district between Gloucester and
Swansea, but he thought they might fairly expect 5
per cent. per annum if the line was worked with
economy.
Mr. CAZENOVE said the whole gist of the report
was to complete the line between Gloucester and
Swansea, and to place the company in a position to
secure 200,0001. per annum. The advantage of com-
pleting the line to Swansea would be twofold—it
would give the South Wales Company time to con-
consider whether they ought to construct the line to
Fishguard, and it would also give the Great Western
Company time to consider whether it would be more
prudent to come to some arrangement with the South
Wales Company respecting the guarantee and the
further extension of the line. It was unreasonable
to expect that either company would act in a manner
injurious to their interests, and if the present terms
are not suitable, some other terms must be made.
He cordially agreed with the report.—(Applause.)
A PROPRIETOR said they ought to concentrate all
their strength to complete the line to Swansea, and
open it for traffic. He recommended the shareholders
to act with unanimity in finishing the line to Swan-
sea, and he had no doubt that terms would be come
to with the Great Western Company.
Mr. M'NAGnTEN said that the committee had
agreed on the necessity of completing the line to
Swansea, but if the funds were available, they thought
it might be advantageous to complete the line to
Carmarthen.
Mr. BRUNEL stated, in reply to a question, that
the portion of the line between Chepstow and Swan-
sea would be ready for opening in April next, and
from Gloucester to Swansea in the spring of 1851.
If all the works beyond Swansea were abandoned,
the cost to the company would be 240,0001. The
powers of the company for taking land and construct-
ing works would not expire till 19x4.
Mr. NASH entered into a variety of details with
regard to the affairs of the company. He wished to
know upon what grounds they had decided that the
line would be made for the estimate. Ile proceeded
to show that the terms of the guarantee were con-
ditional, and, from the nature of the agreement which
would have to be mutually decided on between the
two companies before the guarantee of the Great
Western could come into operation or be enforced,
he contended that the option lay entirely with the
Great Western Company as to the validity of the
guarantee. In his opinion it was a question for the
shareholders to decide whether they had not better at
once throw over the guarantee, get rid of the Great
Western management, alter the gauge, and act
independently of the Great Western Company. He
would propose that the reports be referred to a corn!
mittee of investigation, with an instruction to ascer-
tain satisfactorily whether the line can be constructed
for the sum specified in the estimate. Ile then
entered into a review of the committee's report
of the Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, and Dublin

Railway, in reference to the South Wales
financial matters. He concluded by moving an
amendment to the effect that the reports of the com-
mittee and directors be referred to a committee of
investigation, especially those parts referring to the
estimate for the line, the gauge, the loans, and other
transactions, and that no sanction be given by the
directors of this company on the three W.'s board to
the bill promoted by the latter company.
Mr. LUCAS srconded the amendment.
_ _

Mr. MORTIMER, one of the committee, said he fully
concurred in every part of the report, and he would
appeal to the shareholders whether it would not be
better to come to an understanding with the Great
Western Company than to rake up things that were
passed. The proposal of the committee was to com-
plete the line to Swansea, and receive a rent of
125,000/. per annum, and release the Great Wester❑
Company from that portion of the guarantee applioable
to the portion cf the line between Swansea and Fish-
guard, amounting to 75,0001 per annum.
Mr DUNCAN would support the original motion ;
and, as to the amendment, he did not think they had
anything to do with the narrow gauge or the broad
gauge; their line was connected with the Great
Western, and they wished to go hand-in hand wi'h
them ; but if the latter company were not disposed to
act fairly by this company, the matter could be sub
mitted to public opinion, and to the courts of law,
and they were strong enough to make them do what
was right. The committee had left them in the dark
with regard to the accounts, and he thought it de-
sirable that a clear statement of the receipts and ex-
penses should be submitted to the proprietors before
the next February meeting when they, with other
matters, could be dealt with in a proper manna. He
trusted they would reject the proposed amendment,
but at the same time he holed that the shareholders
would watch every move in the boards of both
companies, and keep their attention fixed on their
interests.

The Rev. Mr. SPENCIa said he thought the share-
holders had not been fairly dealt with. He thought
their affairs ought to be investigated by a public ac-
countant. Their late secretary, Mr. Armstrong, had
shown no disposition to keep the accounts properly,
for in a conversation he ha'l with Mr. Armstrong re-
specting the construction account, he said with regard
to a certain item of expense being large, the only
way would be to swell out other items, and make
that le.s.—(Hear.) He (Mr. Spencer) wished to
have a Parliamentary investigation into the affairs of
the company in justice to the injured shareholders,
for he was quite sure that there were parties in the
company whu had made themselves secure at the ex •
pense of others.

Mr. BAKER strongly urged on the shareholders not
to appoint a committee of inquiry, for he thought it
would do a great deal more harm than good. There
was a prospect of putting matters in a favourable
position. Something had been said about the esti-
mate of Mr. Brunel not being sufficient, and that
there was no confidence in his estimates ; he (Mr.
Baker) could mention two railroads which were con-
structed by Mr. Brunel—they were the Bristol and
Exeter and the Bristol end Gloucester ; and he had
no doubt that Mr. Brunel's estimate with regard to
this company would not be exceeded. With regard
to the guarantee, he was fortified by the best legal au-
thority in the country in asserting that it was
perfectly valid, and could be enforced on the comple-
tion of the line to Fishguard. It was agreed by all
parties that it would be madness to construct the
portion of the line between Carmarthen and Fish-
guard. With regard to the accounts, the committee
proposed to suggest the appointment of Mr. Ernest,
of Cbeapside, to investigate them, and to report
thereon ten days prior to the next meeting.
The amendment was then negatived.
Mr. MATHEWS Laid, with reference to observations
which had been made on the directors lending the
funds of the company to other companies and to
individuals, that they had in all cases obtained
ample security. The object was to increase the funds
of the company in the shape of interest during
periods when the company did not require the
money to carry on the works. The company had
gained by lending money at various times to the
Great Western Company, who had always paid back
the loans when the South Wales Company required
it. The object of the directors by these loans was
to benefit as far as possible the financial position of
the company. He denied that the directors of the
South Wales Company, as stated in the report, were
under the Great Western influence, with the exception
of the six directors at the board representing the
Great Western Company. He deprecated the pro-
posal for a Parliamentary investigation, because he
thought the shareholders were fully competent to
inquire into their own affairs. He recommended the
shareholders of all things to avoid squabbling among
themselves.

Mr. BURKE said that they could not legally adopt
the report of the Committee, because it involved re-
commendations which could not be adopted without
due notice, and at a special general meeting convened
for the purpose.
After some further discussion resolutions were
passed receiving the report of the committee, and re-
ferring the further consideration of the recommenda-
tions contained therein to the next meeting ; re-
questing the directors to proceed with such negotia-
tions with the Great 'We3tern Company as they may
deem expedier.t ; adopting the report of the directors;
appointing Mr. Ernest to investigate the accounts of
the company, and to report thereon at the next meet•
ing; postponing the forfeiture of 1,465 shares until
the next meeting; and authorising the expenses of
the committee to be paid.
Thanks were voted to the committee of share-
holders, and to the chairman of the company, after
which the meeting separated.

GLOUCESTER AND DEAN FOREST RAILWAY.—It
appears probable that the dispute between this com-
pany and the South Wales Company, which gave rise
to the recent special meeting, will be adjusted. The
question in dispute is one of some importance to the
Gloucester and Forest of Dean Company, whose line
runs into that of the South \Vales Company about
nine miles from Gloucester, at a point some four or
five miles distant from the Forest of Dean mineral
field. Access to this is at present attainable by an
old tramway, called the Bulb Pell tramway,
which has been purchased by the South
Wales Rail way Company, who undertook in
consequence of a " pressure from without," to con-
vert it into a locomotive railway, and provide loco-
motive power, charging a maximum toll for convey-
ance of materials of M. per ton per mile. That
agreement, if carried out, would occasion consider-
able loss to the South Wales Company, and therefore
they are seeking to obtain a modification of the terms.
The directors of the two companies have had several
meetings on the subject. In the meantime the works
of the Gloucester and Forest of Dean Railway are
progressing very satisfactorily, and will be completed
by the time that the South Wales line is ready for
opening from Swansea up to the point of junction
with it. The erection of one of the bridges across
the Severn, near Gloucester, has been begun. It is
situate close to the " over" bridge on the west branch
of the river, which here divides into two channels.
LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.—The
workmen employed in the locomotive department
of the London and North-Western Company,
Wolverton station, are laudably endeavouring to
extend their means of improvement, and they
have arranged, with the sanction of the direc-
tors).to hold a soiree at the works on Friday, the
21st inst. (tomorrow), in aid of the Mechanics' In-
stitution at that place. Many of the most able and
influential advocates of education for the working
classes (amongst others Mr. Disraeli, one of the Mem-
bers for the county) have been invited, and are ex-
pected to attend. The meeting, there is every
reason to believe, will be most numerously attended,
as already upwards of 1,000 tickets have been dis-
posed of.
WINDING UP OF JOINT-STOCK COMPA.NIES.—OH
Tuesday the winding-up of the affairs of the Tontine
Life Assurance Company came on before the Master
in Chancery Richards, upon the petition of Sarah
Dee, setting forth that the scheme was projected with
a capital of 400,0001., in 20,000 shares of 201. each,
with power to increase the capital to 2,000,0001.
Business was opened at 20, Pall-mall, by the direc-
tors, Hon. E. Curzon, Dr. Conolly, W. H. Burrell,
W. H. Cadogan, T. W. Fleming, Hon. R. Rowley,
F. H. Lindsay, A. F. Proctor, and R. Hoy, but as
many of the shareholders did not pay up the first
subscription of 1/. per share, the directors, without
calling a meeting of the shareholders, in accordance
with the deed of settlement, to consider the pro-
priety of such a course, passed a resolution on the
17th of August last, dissolving the company, and
transferring the business, funds, and debts to the Engi-
neers'Masonicand Life Assurance Company, informing
the shareholders simultaneously, that unless the I/.
were paid to liquidate the expenses incurred proceed-
ings would be taken for the recovery thereof. These
calls not having been responded to, petitioner prays
that as there are outstanding liabilities to a consider-
able extent, and that as two policies of insurance
granted by the company have become payable, but
for which no provision has been m ;de, the affairs may
be inquired into and wound up. The Master ap-
pointed Mr. Henry Croysdill official manager, to
proceed with the affdirs.
YORK AND NORTH MIDLAND.—Speeial trains ere
to be providsd for the Liverpool and Manchester
shareholders on this line, to enable them to attend,
returning the same day, the special meeting on
Friday.
CORK AND BANDON RAILWAY.—It appears that the
Exchequer Loan Commissioners have agreed to ad-
vance 35,0001 to this company, on condition that tl.e
contractors perform-work to the amount. of 23,000/
before the first advance of 10,0001. be made; that the
tunnel at Goggids-hill be made wide enough for a
double line of rails ; and that the additional sum of
5,0001. required for that purpose be raised by the
disposal of forfeited shares,