The Sun.
London, England, 1847-10-25 00:00:00

No. 17,188.] LONDON, MONDAY 174
'ENING SUN, OCTOBER 25, 1847.

NATIONAL LOAN FUND LIFE
ASSURANCE SOCIETY.
26, CORNIIILL, LONDON.
Capital .f. 500,000. EFripowered by Act of Parliament.
This Institution embraces important and substantial advantages
with respect to life assurances and deferred annuities. The assured
1103, en all occasions, the power to borrow, without expense or for-
feiture of the policy, two•thirds of the premiums paid (see Table);
a'so the option of selecting benefits, and the conversion of his In-
terests to meet other conveniencies or necessity.
Assurances for terms of years on the lowest possible rates.
DIVISION OF PROFITS.
The increasing prosperity of the Society has enabled the Directors
a._ the annual meeting held on the 12th May, 1847, to declare a fifth
b mus, varying from 35 to 85 per cent. on the premiums paid en each
policy effected en the profit scale.
EXAMPLES.

I Perma- Sum the
.;.ti Annual 'Policy Bonus in nent Re- Assured
Age. Pre- !taken addition Bonus in duction of may bor-
es mium. in Assured. Cash. Annual row en
Premiums. Policy.
-
X s. s d. £ s. d. £ s. d.
1837 243 9 3 112 8 5 18 4 6 494 8 10
1838 218 4 99 8 10 15 13 5 445 0 0
£ £s. d. 1839 192 1 10, 86 9 3 13 4 9 395 11 1
60 1000 74 3 4 1840 143 510 66 8 4 919 1 346 2 3
1841 138 14 2 61 17 6 9 9 2 296 13 4
1842 111 6 8149 10 0 710 4 247 4 5

The Annual Report, with tables of rates, &c., may be had at the
office, or any of its branches in the country ; sr, on application, will
be forwarded post free.

F. FERGUSON CAMROUX, Secretary.

FINGLAND to INDIA and AUSTRALIA.
The INDIA and AUSTRALIA MAIL STEAM-PACKET
COMPANY, incorporated by Royal Charter, which limits the re-
sponsibility of the shareholders to the amount for which they indivi-
dually subscribe, and authorises the Company to establish commu-
nications to and and from the United Kingdom, the East Indies,
Australasia, ald New Zealand.

Capital One Million sterling.
Dielded into series of shares of 201. each.
COMMITTEE.

Sir George Larpent, Bart., Chairman of the London Committee of
1846 for Extension of Steam Navigation to Australia.
Sir William Terner, Bart., M.P.
llon. Francis Scott, M.P., Agent for New South Wales.
Sir Thomas L. Mitchell, Surveyor-General of New South' Wales,
London.

J. Maclean Lae, Esq,
Captain Richard Lloyd, Indian
Navy
Kilbourne Marsh, Esq.
R. Montgomery Martin, Esq.
J. Monteflore, Esq.
Sir F. Waskett Myers, K.C.S.
Alexander C, Ogilvie, Esq.
Richard Paterson, Esq.
Robert Henley Payne, Esq,
John Wilson Pillans, Esq.
G. 11. Skead, Esq., Master, Royal
Navy
Colonel Torrens, F.R.S.
William Gordon Thomson, Esq.
Lieut. Waghorn, F.R.A.S„ Royal
Navy
Melvil Wilson, Esq.
BANKERS—Messrs. Currie and Co., Cornhill.
SOLICITORS—Messrs. Barron and Clarke, Bloomsbury-square.

Lieut.-Col. Abdy, Indian Army
Thomas Browne, Esq.
Captain Cogan, Indian Navy
Archibald Cuninghame, Tsq.
Captain H. M. Denham, F.R.S.,
Royal Navy
G. H. Donaldson, Esq.
Capt. R. J, Fayrer, Royal Navy
Captain Ford, East India Maritime!

Service
Captain G. T. Gord on, Royal Navy
E. S. llalswell,
Capt. H. Hamilton, Royal Navy

Gustavus llamilton, Ezq.
James Hunter, Esq.
J. A. Jackson, Esq.
Charles Joyce, Esq.
Frederick Lambe, Esq.

_ .
India, Australia, China, and the adjacent regions, contain a popu-
lation of more than half the number of the inhabitants of the
globe, and teem with every product which con minister to the wants
of man.

To carry out effectually and economically steam communication
with those countries is the object of this Company, for whose ope-
rations there is an ample and profitable field, especially as regards
our numerous and valuable colonies in the Southern Pacific, which
have an increasing intercourse with India as well as with England
—are the only portions of the British empire unconnected by steam
navigation with the parent state, and for which a charter by the
overland route has been exclusively granted to this Company.
The route sanctioned by the Lords of the Admiralty for this Com-
pany is via Ceylon, Singapore, and Torres Straits, the advantages of
which are, that Sydney, the metroplitan capital of the whole of the
Australasian colonies, would be b,ought to a certainty within 64 or
G 5 days of London (frequently in 60), and within less than 30 days
of India. The coal stations art convenient, excellent coal from the
pits at Newcastle, New South Wales, can be put on board there at
7s. to 7s. Gd. per ton.
Prospectuses, with forms of application for shares, and further
Information may be had on application at the offices of the Com-
pany, wkere a copy of the Royal Charter of Incorporation may be
obtained.
Offices, 34, Cornhill, London. JOHN YATES, Sec.

ATENT RAMONEUR ASSOCIATION.
(Provisionally Registered.)

COUNTIES of SURREY and KENT.

Capital, 20,0001. in 10,000 Shares of 21. each. Deposit, 11. per Share

on complete registration,

No further call will be made without three months' preTions
notice. The liabilities of each shareholder limited to the amount
subscribed for.

The PATENT RAMONEUR MACHINE is exclusively used in
the offices of the Right Hon. the Lords of the Treasury, the Royal
Agricultural Society, the Royal Horticultural Society ; the Royal
Exchange-buildings, &c. The objects .1 the promoters are ap-
proved by
The Most Noble the Marquis of NORTHAMPTON, President of the

_
Royal Society.
The Right lion. Earl DE GREY, IL.G., Presideat of the Royal In-

stitute of British Architects.
Sir RODERICK I. MURCHISON, President of the British L.ssocia-
tion for the Advancement of Science.
The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop

of Norwich of Lichfield
The Right lion. the Earl of Lei- The Most Noble the Marquis of
. .

caster Bristol
Th cLori Rendlesharn, M.P. The lion. and Rev. Thomas R.
The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop Keppel
of Gloucester and Bristol The llen. Fred. By lig
The Ron. and Rev. Edward S. The Rev. Sir Thomas Gray Cal-
Keppel lum, Bart.
The Very Rev. the Dean of West- Sir William Foster, Bart.
minster, Dr. Buckland Sir Robert Ilarland, Bart.
The Venerable Archdeacon Shir- Sir Francis Darwin

ley The Norwich Union Fire Office
Sir John P. 73elleau, Bart. The Suffolk Fire Office
Sir Richard Paul Joddrell, Bart. The District Fire Office of Bir-
Dr. Outram, F.R.S., F. 0.8., In- mingham

spector of Naval Hospitals The Norwich Equitable Insurance
Right Hen. Earl Fitzhardinge Office
His Grace the Duke of Beaufort The Nottinghamshire and Derby-
Philip W. S. Miles, Esq., M.P, shire Fire 011ie°
Right Hon. F. H. F. Berkeley, The West of England Fire Office,
M.P. I &c.
W. Miles, Esq., M.P.

The object of this Association is totally to abolish the use of
climbing boys, who, notwithstanding the penalties to which those
employing them are subjected by the 3d and 4th Victoria, cap. 85,
are continually resorted to. This breach of the law is acquiesced in
by a large portion of the public, from a conviction of the utter im-
possibility in innumerable cases of cleansing a chimney or flue with
the old machine. For the laudable purpose of furthering the objects
of the law by avoiding all necessity for its infringement, the inge-
nious and effective Ramoneur machine has been invented. This
invention consists of four brushes forming a square head, which
by means of elastic springs contracts or expands, according to
the small or extended space in which the machine moves, thereby
creating an even pressure on all four sides of a chimney. The
rods attached to this bead or brush are supplied at intervals with
universal spring joints, capable of turning even a right angle
and the whole is surmounted with a doable revolving ball, having
also a universal spring joint, which leads the brush with certainty
past every angle, and into every corner, cleansing its route most
perfectly. The capabilities of this machine are best demonstrated
by the fact, that it is exclusively used in the Government and
numerous public offices, while the patronage bestowed by a large
number of the nobility and gentry in eontinuing their annual con-
tracts to the patentees evidences their sense of its superiority, as well
as of the philanthropic views of the projectors. Detailed prospectuses
may be obtained, and a working model of the machine seen, at the
offices of the solicitor, F, Dolman, Esq., 39, Jermyn-street, St.
James's ; at Messrs. Barry and Co.'s, brokers, 7, Birchin-lane ; at
W. Heath, Esq.'s, Nag's Head-court, Gracechurch-street ; and at the
principal office, 1, Wellington-street, London-bridge, Borough, where
applications for shares may be addressed.

FAWES'S CANDLES, 6d. per lb. ; Genuine
t...! Sperm, Is.9d. ; Yellow Soap, 485., 545., and 60s. per 1121bs. ;
Mottled, 60s. and 645.; Wax Candles, Is. per lb. ; German Wax,
Is. 2d. ; Fine Wax, Is. sd. ; Transparent Wax, Is. Ild. ; Genuine
Wax, 2s. Id. ; Waxed-wick Moulds, 7d.; Sperm Oil, Bs. per gallon;
Solar, 3s. 3d., Pale Seal, 4s. ; Argand, or Vegetable, 4s. 6d.; Wind-
sor and Palm Soap, Is. 4d. per packet; Brown Windsor. Is. d ;
Rose, 2s. ; Almond, 2s. 6d. ; Sealing Wax, 4s. 6d.; Halo's Paragon
Composite, requiring no snuffing, 10d. per lb.
For Cash—At DAVIES'S Old Established Warehouse, 63, St.
Martin's-lane, opposite Slaughter's Coffee-house.

PUBLICATIONS.

MR. JAMES'S NEW NOVEL.
Now ready, at all the Libraries,
TII E CONVI C T. A Tale.
By 0, P. R. JAMES, Esq. 3 vols. post Bvo. Price 11. Ils. Gd.

London Smith, Ehler, and CO., 65, Cornhlll.

Just published,

IfA IS- E E RE. An Autobiography.
Edited by CURIUM BELL. 3 vols. post Bvo. Price it. Ils. Gd
cloth.

The most extraordinary production that has issued from the press
for years."— Weekly Chronicle.
" One of the most powerful domestic romances which have been
published for many years. It is a hook to make the heart beat, and
the eyes fill with tears."—Atlas.
London : Smith, Elder, and Co., 63, Cornhill.

In a few days, in Bvo., price Is. 6d,

RULES and OIii;ERS of the COURT for
RELIEF of INSOLVENT DEBTORS, In PRISONERS' and
PROTECTION CASES, for regulating the pressnt Practice both in
Town and Country; together with the Regulations of the Office, of the
Brokers, and the Messengers ; the Table of Fees, and a List of all
the Forms in use by the Officers and the Practitioners.
. _

J. S. Ilodson, Printer to the Court, Clifford's Inn-passage, Fleet-
street.

Just published, price One Penny, a small Pamphlet, entitled
RICE, as a Cheap and Wholesome Food for all
Classes, and especially as a SUBSTITUTE for POTATOES.

I y a FAMILY MAN.

London : Sherwood and Co. Liverpool : Smith, Rogerson and Co.,
Mercury-office. Manchester : G. Bentham ; A. Heywood. Leeds :
Baines and Co. ; Mrs. Mann. Birmingham : Taylor and Co ; W.
Cooper. Preston : Chronicle-office ; Pilot-office ; J. Walker. Black-
burn ; T. Woods ; and J. Mitchell. And all Booksellers.
A single copy may be had, free by post, on inclosing two penny
stamps (post tree), to any of the Publishers.

•
JOHN CHAPMAN, BOOKSELLER and PUB-
LISHER, begs to aunounce, that he has REMOVED his
BUSINESS from 121, Newgate-street, to 142, Strand; and requests
that all c mlmunications be sent to the latter address.
London, October, 1847.

ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.
The Last Week of the LECTURES on CHARACTER, with
Musical Illustrations, by Mr. J. RUSSELL, each Evening, at
Eight o'clock, except Monday and Saturday. A LECTURE ea the
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of a JET of STEAM, in reference to
VENTILATION, &c., with Novel and Interesting Experiments by
Dr. EACHHOFFNER, daily at Half-past Three. CHEMICAL
LECTURES. The ELECTRIC TELEGRAPHS worked. The
WORKING MODELS, explained daily. The beautiful OPTICAL
EFFECTS include an entirely New Series of DISSOLVING VIEWS.
DIVING BELL and DIVER, wit]. HYDE'S NEW APPARATUS
for CONVERSING with PERSONS under WATER, &c. &c.
Adnaission, Is. ; Schools, Half-price.

3N THE CONCEALED CAUSE THAT PREYS ON THE
HEALTH AND SHORTENS THE DURATION OF HUMAN
LIFE.
ILLUSTRATED WITII COLOURED ENGRAVINGS,
Just Published, in a Sealed Envelope, price 2s. 6d., or free
by post, 3s. 6d.
CONTROUL OF THE PASSIONS : a Popular
Inquiry into the Concealed Cause of its premature Decline,
with Instructions for its Complete Restoration. Addressed to those
suffering from the destructive conseqllauces of excessive indulgence,
terminating in Mental and Nervous Debility, Local or Constitutional
Weakness, Indigestion, and Consumption. Including a comprehen-
sive Dissertation on MARRIAGE, Incontinence, and Celibacy.
Illustrated with Coloured Engra ex
vings, planatory of the various
Cases, &c.
By C. J. LUCAS and Co.. Consulting Surgeons, No. 60, Newman-
street, Oxford-street, London.
Member of the London College of Medicine, Boe. &C,
CONTENTS OF TB WORK,
Chap. 1.--Bodily and Mental Exhaustion induced by inordinate
Indulgence of the Passions, illustrated with Coloured Engravings.
Chap. 2.—Baneful Results of a Secret Vice on the Mind and Body,
evidenced in the production of Consumption, Epilepsy, and other
convulsive diseases, Insanity, Idiocy, moping Melancholy, Indiges-
tion, Stricture, Impotence, and Sterility, with Observations on the
Duties of Married Life, and on the unhappiness caused by Unfruitful
unions. Chap. 3.—Debility and Exhaustion of the principal Vital
Functions, the nature and treatment of Impotence and Sterility, and
the imperfect performance of the Marital act, caused byt he practice
of self-indulgence. Chap. 4.—Gonorrhoea, its symptoms, complica-
tions and treatment, Gteet, Stricture, and disease of the Prostate.
Chap. s.—Syphilis, and its attendant maladies and treatment. Osseo,
and concluding observations, Plates, &c.
Sold by Brittain, 54, Paternoster-row; Gord In, 146, Leadenhall-
street ; Hannay and co., 63, Oxford-street; Noble, 114, Chancery-
onli,nghuahmur;chW-sitrieetnato, re,,,hl.elr9;.o3,ll;arkßeto-bsitiriesoent,, claierseetensr ;ideHlotwreeellt,
tame ; Mansell, 115, Fleet-street; Winhal, 78, High-street, Bir-
-11,
mingham;
Edinburgh; Powell, 10, Westmoreland-street, Dublin; and all
Booksellers.

Persons desirous of obtaining the above work, and not wishing to
apply to a bookseller for the same, may, to insure secrecy, have it
lirect from the Authors, by enclosing 3s. 6d., or Postage Stamps.
Messrs. Lucas and Co. arc to be consulted from Tenti 11 Two, and
from Five till Eight in the evening, at their residence, No. 60,
Newman-street, Oxfori .street, London, and country patients 'may
successfillly treated, on minutely describing their case, and enclos-
ag the usual fee of Si. for advice.

THE MERCHANTS OF HULL AND THE MONEY
CRISIS.—A memorial to the Right Honourable Lord
John Russell, First Lord of her Majesty's Treasury,
, is now in course of signature by the merchants,
shipowners, and traders of Hull, setting forth that the
commerce of this town is, in common with that of other
places, greatly suffering from the present extreme de-
pression of trade, want of confidence, and unparalleled
scarcity of money. The memorial submits that the pre-
sent state of affairs has not been induced by over trad-
ing, and instances the firmness of business houses in
Hull, and the stocks of merchandise throughout the coun-
try, as substantiating this important assertion. In the
third an last paragraph it urges " the necessity of some
remedial measures to avert the impending calamities of
the destruction of solvent and even wealthy firms, the
entire withdrawal by foreign merchants of confidence in
English houses whose credit has hitherto been un-
doubted, and the suspension of manufacturing opera-
tions, thereby involving the operatives in severe suffer-
ing, and ultimately resulting in a deficient revenue and
increased taxation (if public credit is to be maintained),
with a general inability to pay, and an unwillingness to
submit to an increase of the national burdens."—Hull
Advez

ALLEGED FORGERIES BY A SLIAREBROKER.—OIL
Saturday, information was received in the metropolis by
the electric telegraph, from Sunderland, that a share-
broker and commission agent of that town had absconded
after committing forgeries to a great amount. 1,8001, is
already discovered, and that is not considered one half
the sum total of his delinquencies. A handsome reward
has been offered for his capture, which the detective
police are using every exertion to effeet.
We are happy to inform the friends of J. A.
Roebuck, Esq., that the committee met on Thursday to
make arrangements for presenting the testimonial, and
it was resolved that Mr. Roebuck should be invited to
attend a public meeting in the mornirg, at the Guild-
hall, to receive it, on Nov. 4. In the evening there will
be a soirée, to give the ladies of Bath an opportunity of
presenting to him their token of respect. We are glad
to hear that the subscription exceeds 5001. Bath
✓ournal.

certain conditions, and had withdrawn their
opposition. He was, therefore, taken by
surprise, and wished to ask if the con-
tract was in writing, and if so to see it, in order to
ascertain if signed, and by whom—if the seal was
attached to it, and if the proper officer was consulted
on the matter before or after it was signed. These
were important matters for consideration when the
question before them was how 10,000/. of their funds
should be expended. If the contract for rescinding
the sale of the bridge was as represented, he had no
hesitation in staking his professional reputation as a
lawyer that, looking at the Act, it was illegal, and
incapable of being enforced in a court of common law
or equity.—(Laughter.) [The Chairman—He gives
that opinion without having seen it.] If ab initio
it was invalid, it was an important matter for their
consideration what course they should adopt.
The CHAIRMAN said the directors declined to allow
Mr. Elkins to see the contract; but if the meeting
wished it produced, he for one had no objection, but
as it was agreed to at a public meeting, and subse-
quently confirmed at a public meeting, and as it had
been prepared by their solicitor, had had the seal
attached to it, and been signed in the usual manner,
the directors considered its production unnecessary.—
(Hear.) Mr. Elkins had been referred to the solicitor,
Mr. Curtis, by the directors, on the subject.
Mr. ELKINS said Mr. Curtis was the solicitor to
the directors, and not to the shareholders ; if he were
not he might have communicated with him ; and
concluded by moving an amendment, to the effect
that after the statement of the directors, the further
consideration of the matter be postponed until a
committee of the shareholders, to be appointed at that
meeting, have inspected the accounts, and reported on
the affairs of the company, which was seconded by
Mr. Browne.

A SHAREHOLDER said if the report of the committee,
of which Mr. Blunt was a member, had been attended
to, they would have keyed 1,0001., as they would'
now, he understood, lave to pay 10,0001. instead of
9,000/.
The amendment was lost by a large majority.
The CHAIRMAN then proposed the second resolution,
which was seconded by Mr. Few.
The CHAIRMAN said this resolution was proposed
on the distinct understanding that these new shares
should be merely used as security for the required
loan ; they should, therefore, avoid increasing the
capital. It was the opinion of both the companies
that there should be no increase in the number of
shareholders, and he believed that the understanding
which had been come to would lead to a satisfactory
understanding for the future between the two bodies.
A SHAREHOLDER said, in the present pressure of
the money market, it was absurd to suppose that the
company could raise money from parties unless they
gave them uncontrolled command of the shares.
The CHAIRMAN said the money would only be bor-
rowed for a given time.
A SHAREHOLDER inquired whether it was likely
that the money could be raised as proposed. If not,
they must adopt some other mode of doing so.
The CHAIRMAN replied, when they first proposed
to borrow the money that they had offers from par-
ties to lend it; but even during the present pressure
he had no doubt they should obtain enough to dis-
charge the most pressing claims.
Mr. BROWNE characterised the whole proceedings
of the chairman and directors as irregular, and con-
sidered that the present proposition was only brought
forward for the purpose of screening their previous
grossly culpable misconduct.—(Cries of " Order.")
Ile repeated the word misconduct. Of course the
directors did not like to be reminded of what they
had done, and he was justified in the strong language
he had used, as they had refused the appointment of
a committee to inquire into the finances of the com-
pany ; they had, besides, not said a word of what
theyinterd,d to do with the 20,0001., and had re-

fused to pay the costs to which the shareholders from
whom the protest emanated had been put in
opposing their proceedings and defending their
interests, and those of all the shareholders.

He admitted that they required a portion of the
money to return to the persons with whom they had
improperly entered into a contract. If they had
admitted that they had fallen into an error in this
transaction, and were unlikely to commit a similar
mistake, such a circumstance might have extenuated
their conduct, and have been some reason why the
shareholders should have voted the money they re-
quired. Then, the chairman had committed
certain errors professedly wrong, and had not care-
fully husbanded their funds. The solicitor he had
recently appointed was his brother-in-law, and he
had, he believed, sent in a bill of 1,2001. for endea-
vouring to carry out the contract, whilst any man
in his senses might, though not a professional man,
have known that the very commencement of it was
wrong, and that it could not be carried out. Further,
the chairman had not said one word in the shape of
apology for causing the gentlemen whom he repre-
sented to spend their money. They had sent their
bill of costs to him, but he had treated it with con-
tempt, and would continue to treat them and others
in a similar spirit until coercive measures were
adopted there and elsewhere. The entering into this
obnoxious contract had prevented the payment of any
dividend for the last year, and the money had been
spent in exigencies, or in some way of which the
chairman was silent. Those who had resisted the

illegal acts of the directors had thwarted the object
which the chairman had in view—namely, the break-
ing up of the company ; and although a copy of their
Bill had been transmitted to each of the directors, not
one of them had the candour or courtesy to acknow-
ledge its receipt, or to propose any arrangement to-
wards its payment, whilst at the same time they could
pay the bill of their solicitor for doing that which the
shareholders did not approve. The gentlemen he re-
presented had preserved the company ; but for them
it would have been dissolved twelve months ago. They
had preserved it for weal or for woe—for good, if
properly managed, butfor bad purposes, if they allowed
the directors to borrow money in the way they wished.
He made these observations in order that the chair-
man might, before he left the chair, say something in
exculpation of his conduct, and lead the gentlemen to
believe that he was not what they supposed him to be
—a dishonest man.— (Cries of " Order " and
"Shame.") Unquestionably the shares would be let
loose—they would keep them out of the market if
they could ; but he did not think they could. He
could not understand how the directors now
required 20,0001., after withholding dividends
to the amount of 2,0001. or 3,0001. If
they gave the directors the power to raise
this sum they might depend upon it that they would
get no dividend for the next six or seven years. He
regretted now that he had been instrumental in
causing the election as directors of two gentlemen at
the last meeting. They were elected in the hope
that they would protect the interests of the share-
holders, but it was much to be lamented that they
had not done so; in fact, as soon as gentlemen were
placed on the board they forgot the interests of the
shareholders. Let the shareholders recollect that
they individually become responsible for the money
It did not appear that there was a pressing demand
for more than 5,000/. ; for the chairman had told
them that Mr. Jackson would take the 10,0001. in
any way convenient to the company. It seemed to
him disgraceful to seek to take 1,000/. of the money
of those whom they had led into making a contract
with them—he did not believe that one person in that
room would touch the money. Surely there was
sufficient in hand to meet any pressing demand. It
was for this reason that his friend on his right (Mr.
Elkins) moved for the committee which had been
refused, for the chairman set his face against it. If they
acceded to the proposition the shares would get loose, the
company would sink into a worse state than at pre-
sent, and they would find too late that no banker
would lend the money.
Mr. COLES CHILD denied that he or his colleagues
had lost sight of the interests of the shareholders.
The 20,0001. was imperatively required to discharge
urgent claims upon the capital of the company, but
the money would be raised in a way which would
not injure the original shareholders, and the dividends
would be forthcoming at the proper time.
Mr. ELKINS said the directors, feeling sure that
the resolution would be carried, treated as nought
the remonstrances of those who differed with them.
They had fought inch by inch by the side of the
shareholders, who had now deserted them ; and it
appeared to him that something very extraordinary
must have occurred since the last meeting to cause
so great a change in the conduct of those who op-
posed the directors at the last meeting. It was all
moonshine to say that the shares would not be issued
to the depreciation of the old shares.—(Hear, and
laughter.) The shareholders ought to call upon the di-
rectors to postpone issuing the shares until another
meeting, in:_order that the directors might ascertaio
whether they could raise the money by the mere
posit of the shares. He wished that he could
that the directors would do no wrong, but r. ,elieve
leavened the
ness of the interests of the shareholde.•
whole lump.—(Laughter.) Ho
charge them with making use .Lad not, however,
of the mone for their
own purposes ; but was y
what they had heard it not remarkable, after
should have stated DA
last 'that
day, that the chairman
the meeting that they would
rue the day they elltered into 7 friendly communication
with the Market Company
The CHAta:44li denixithat he did anything of the

kind. What he said was, that the two companies had
but one interest in common, and that they ought there-
fore to be united.—(Hear.) He thought now as then,
that they should pull together. He never uttered
any sentiment which might lead to an opposite con-
struction. He concluded by moving as an amendment
to the effect, " That the shares should be subject to a
restriction in respect to the security required."
Mr. BuowNis seconded the amendment.

Mr. Lrs SEAGER, a director, could not remain
quiescent under the charge imputed to the directors
by the Hon. Proprietor (Mr. Elkins) that they had
grossly misconducted themselves in entering into the
contract with Mr. Jackson and others, because the
proprietors would recollect, that before Mr. Elkins
became a proprietor, that the contract was actually
forced upon the chairman, and the directors who acted
with him at that time, contrary to his judgment and
much to his annoyance.—(Hear.) That contract
emanated entirely from the shareholders, at one of the
largest meetings of the proprietors perhaps ever held
in that room. The chairman and the directors were
forced into an agreement to sell the bridge ; and,
therefore, if the transaction was a blamable one, it
was the fault of the shareholders ; the directors mull
be exonerated altogether from the unjust charge so
repeatedly imputed to them.
Mr. STUTELEY, the chairman of the Hungerford
Market Company, considered that some explanation
was due to the shareholders, on the part of the com-
pany he represented, with respect to the altered posi-
tion in which that company and the Bridge Company
now stood.—(Hear.) They were aware that the
Market Company opposed the raising of the money in
the way originally recommended, principally because
the issuing of new shares would injure those who had
originally embarked in the undertaking, and who had
retained their shares through all its fortunes, and as
long as other means were open they felt they were
justified in their opposition ; and, in order to bring
the inatler to itT is Idsought an interview with
Mr. Hawes, in order that they might, as private
gentlemen, calmly consider, at a private interview,
the position of each company, and endeavour, if
possible, to adjust their differences. He found that
the chairman had been unsuccessful in endeavouring
to raise the necessary funds in some other way, and
as he had failed his objection was removed —(Hear,
hear.) It appearing that there was no other alterna-
tive than by issuing shares—(Hear)—and this being
the case, he endeavoured on the part of the proprietors
to obtain such an understanding as should preclude
the share 3 from going into the market, and prevent
their being used except as security for a loan, and it
was agreed that a resolution to that effect should be
prepared at that meeting, and that the directors should
previously furnish the Market Company with a decla-
ratory resolution of the directors to that effect.—
(Hear.) He wished, however, to state that this arrange-
ment must not be looked upon as pledging the Hun-
gerford Market Company to support in any shape or
way whatever proposition might be brought before
the proprietors by the directors. The Hungerford
Market Company would hold itself quite aloof and
independent on the questions which in the future
might be brought forward. He sincerely hoped, now
the differences between them had been adjusted, that
nothing would occur to disturb their relations; he for
one had no anticipation that such would be the
case.—(Hear, hear.)

The CHAIRMAN said the statements of one or two
gentlemen would not have been uttered if they had
attended the previous meetings c.f the company. The
fullest explanation of the liabilities of the company
was circulated at the last and previous meetings, and
showing how they proposed to spend the 20,0001.,
and nothing had occurred since the last meeting to
alter the financial position of the company. He con-
tended, therefore, that Mr. Elkins' statements were
inconsistent with truth. It was true the solicitor was
his brother-in-law, and he was not ashamed to own
it. He believed him an honourable man, and that
neither himself nor the other directors would pay him
more for his professional services than he was fairly
entitled to.—(Hear.) The opposition of the gentle-
men who had sent in the bill of costs mentioned
by Mr. Browne, had deteriorated the company by re-
ducing its value to 80,0001., whereas it was worth
226,000/. twelve months ago, so great had been the
depreciation of the shares. They must pay Messrs.
Jackson and the contractors, for the bridge was
almost finished. Their liabilities had been stated
half a dozen times, and yet they were told that
they had withheld information. As long as he had
been connected with the company he had
been most anxious, as he was now, to give the share-
holders the fullest explanation of every iota of the
expenses. The accounts had been fully investigated
by the committees which had been appointed. Mr.
Elkins had no right to insinuate that the directors
would act in a hostile spirit to the resolution. He
was sure the Hungerford Market Company did not
entertain any such opinion.
The amendment was lost by a majority of 8, the
numbers being—For, 6 ; against it, 14.
Mr. ELKINS then demanded a poll, which showed
the following result :—For the amendment, 15 ;
against2it, 46; majority against, 31.
The original motion was then declared carried.
The CHAIRMAN declared the business for which the
meeting was convened was at an end, and declined
again to receive the protest.
A vote of thanks was then passed to the Chairman,
and the meeting separated.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT WAKE-

FIELD.
At about two o'clock on Saturday morning last a
most destructive conflagration took place at Wake-
field, by which property to a large amount has been
destroyed.
The alarm of fire was first given by the watch-
men of the town, and it was soon afterwards
discovered that the extensive premises of Messrs. W.
and W. Lake, situate in Thorne's-lane, were on fire.
The proprietors are bone and cake crushers and agri-
cultural seedamen, and have carried on business to a
very great extent for some years past. The premises
which they occupy are situated in the midst of a
large number of corn and flour mills, the safety of
which was much endangered by the flames from the
burning pile, and the pieces of ignited materials
which were carried in almost every direction by the
strong wind that prevailed. The mills of Mr. G.
Sandars, M.P. for the borough, of the Messrs. Fer-
nandez, Mr. T. Haigh, and other large firms, were
with difficulty saved, and the dwelling-houses of
those who reside in the vicinity were placed in immi-
nent danger.

A large number of workmen and many of the prin-
cipal o wners of property near the spot were soon col-
lected, but some time elapsed before the arrival of the
engine, and the building then being one mass of
flames, and the front part of it completely gutted,
the efforts of the firemen produced not the slightest

effect.
In the interior of the premises was machinery to a
very large amount, the whole of which was com-
pletely destroyed, as well as the stock of linseed, bone
dust, and the other agriculutural seeds in which the
Messrs. Lake deal. The roof of the building ex-
tended from the front along two sides, to which of
course the flames rapidly extended, it being for the
most part covered with wood, and as the different
portions of it fell in with fearful and repeated crashes,
the violence of the raging element appeared to in-
crease and to burn with greater fury.
The further row of buildings from the point at
which the fire commenced was fortunately saved by
great exertions ; but nothing more than the bare
walls of the mill itself are left standing. No portion
of the stock was saved, but the whole of the books of
the firm were safely removed from the counting-
house.

There was, we understand, a large quantity of
oats consumed, belonging to Mr. Whiteley, of Wake-
field, for which we have heard that the Messrs. Lake
will not be responsible, but their loss will, never-
theless be very serious. The building was insured
in the Leeds and Yorkshire Fire-office, but only to
the extent of 1,0001., a sum much below its rea.:l ue.
'
The destruction of property is estimated at ho less a
sum than 2,5001., so that the firm will be sutierers to
the amount of 1,5001., for which th ire uninsured.
This, of course, is independents the sacrifice of
capital and time, the mill hav'airB. been but very re-
and a c°743'.:terable outlay expended
cent completed,
upon ly
its fitting up.
no idea can be formed, It
Of the origin of
mtte,t have commenced in the front
is certain that i
and all was left right by one of
part of the premises,
the firm
Previou".4 to locking up the place, at
seven es'cloelr.. oal the same evening. The flames had
gained r.uch an ascendancy before the arrival of the
til'"-'origade, and spread with such velocity in conse-
quence of the high state of the wind, that it was
quite impossible to save the premises, and attention
was consequently turned to prevent the extension of
the fire to the other outbuildings, in which they for-
tunately succeeded, as the wind abated a good deal,
although still blowing violently. There was happily
no loss of life, although one of the firemen met with
a serious accident. He was actively engaged in the
interior of the building, when from some cause or
other he fell from his position, and, alighting on his
head, was rendered insensible, and taken home. He
is not, however, dangerously hurt, and is afair
way of speedy recovery.