The Sun.
London, England, 1851-02-14 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, - FEBRUARY 14, 1851.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. Gloucester and Dean Forest Act, by mortgage of their under-
togt is however provided in the agreemeetlthdat the
The usual half-yearly general meeting of the prop
Gioucester and Dean Forest Company shall be ento e to Fe-
es of the Great Weatem Railway was held yester-
cave 5i per cent. upowthe said share capital, as soon as a line
day, at the Paddington Station; Mr. Charles Russell, shall be finished from the terminus at Grange Court to
chairman of the board of directors, in the chair. The Hereford, for which they have engaged to subscribe 25,000/.
meeting was made special for the purpose of considering if authorised by Parliament to do so. By these covenants
the propriety of converting the 171. shares, on which all your directois have effectually protected the interests
cells have been made, into consolidated stock, and also for of this company, as they believe, against threatened
the purpose of authorising the directors to take leases of litigation, and they have secured not only the
the wor ks belonging to the Gloucester and Dean Forest possession of the short link between the South Wales
Railway on certain terms which had already been condi- Railway and Gloucester, but have obtained the best guarantee
tionally entered into. The meeting was further made for the.completion of a
Iceodntinounoutsorglrwnybtoßoss and Here-
special for determining upon the propriety or other- ford,additional
capital
in
wise of building an hotel, with refreshment rooms for it.witeutnebceeisusltycaolf providingu station accommodation
London, without further delay, for the additional trade from
dormitories, stables and other conveniences, near to the Birmingham and the north, as well as from Wales (to
Paddington station. The chair was taken, and the pro- which reference has been made in farmer reports), has, in
ceedings of the day commenced at half-past one o'clock, consequence of these agreements, been pressed very much
just half-an-hour later than on previous occasions; but upon the attention of the board, who consider that the time
long before that time the shed or workshop in which the has arrived when a commencement must be made in the
meeting was held was partially filled with proprietors, construction of more permanent buildings, fitted for the
The attendance, however, was by no means so numerous great increase of business which must flow over your railway
as on former oeseasions. after the completion of the lines in active progress. It has
been maturely considered whether any temporary additions to
The advertisement convening the meeting having been
the present buildings at Paddin ton could have been usefully read by Mr. Sanders, the secretary, the' common seal made, so as to postpone the gconstruction of a permanent
of the company was affixed to the register of proprietors, station; but every inquiry bas proved that such expenditure
The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to review the opera- would neither secure the main objects in view, nor be con-
tions of the company during the past half-year. sistent with economy. It is proposed that a new merchandize
He said, in the last few months the directors building should be forthwith commenced, in order to be avail-
had been occupied in materially considering; the able for additional traffic, w bile the present goods' shed is kept
relations which subsisted between the Great Western up for the existing and more urgent purposes of the trade ; and
.
it is recommended that a passenger departure shed, with
Company and its neighbours, and though they
onofli offices, platforms, &c., and proper approaches to it, be made
had not accomplished all that they originally anticipated,
they yet obtaio ed enough to promote the future prosperity .erehree
ignrotuennbeyond
.the present goods station, so. as to in-
ofh least possible degree with the conveniences es-
all parties.—(Hear, hear.) The proprietors would t t
ential to the traffic of the line. These partial commence-
remember that at the last meeting a resolution was ms ents of the permanent station are estimated to cost 50,000/ , peesed, authorising the directors to negotiate with the and may be considered as quite indispensable to enable the
South Wales Company, with a view to a lease or aural- company to proceed with the business for which they have
gamation. He was sorry to say that the offers of the undertaken to provide. More carriages and waggons will
directors had been rejected by a small majority of the also be required, and the directors recommend that a further
South Wales proprietors, and the arrangement had, vote should be taken at this meeting, to authorise an outlay
therefore, fallen through. The directors, however, were of 25,000/. for that purpose."
not prepared to make any advance in the pecuniary terms The CHAIRMAN then moved the adoption of the re-
they had offered to the South Wales Company, for port, and confirmation of the accounts.
the terms were agreed upon only after due Mr. UPCROFT wished to know before that resolution
and proper deliberation, and they were the only terms was put, if any negotiations were pending with the Lon-
that could be safely adopted so as to secure the interest don and North-Western Railway for a traffic arrange-
of both sides.—(Cheers.) Some time ago the directors ment with regard to the Buckinghamshire lines?
entered into a conditional arrangement for leasing the The CHAIRMAN replied in the negative. All that was
Gloucester and Dean Forest Railway. They guaran- now pending between the two companies related to the
teed a certain return upon a capital of 425,0001.; but a dispute with the Shrewsbury and Wolverhamptom Corn-
portion of the
,line bad passed into the hands of the pany. The directors had offered their mediation for the
South Wales Railway Company, and by that step the settlement of the dispute,—(Hear, hear.)
(topical of the tributary had been reduced to 292,0001. Mr. DE Wierroer gave it as his opinion that the sys-
nee first arrangement, the meeting would remember, was tem of guaranteeing dividends was highly objectionable;
fors specified amount of interest with half the surplus pro-
it had proved the curse of this as well as other large
fits over the gross amount of that interest. Now it had companies, and he should be glad to see it speedily
been recently discovered that the system of guarantee- abandoned.—(Hear, bear.)
ing half the surplus profits was highly objectionable, and Major GODFREY thought the South Wales proprietors
therefore, at the request of the Gloucester and Forest were highly to blame for not having adopted the terms
of Dean Company, the directors had consented to mo- that were offered to them.--(Hear, hear.) The directors,
dify these terms.—(Hear, hear.) They had made a who belonged to both boards, had displayed more mo-
substitute of adding half per cant. to the original gun- desty than prudence in abstaining from voting on the
rantee in lieu of half the surplus; profits, making an ab- occasion when the agreement was negatived, since no
solute guarantee of 41 per cent. for the first five years one could dispute that the arrangement which was pro-
of the lease, while at the expiration of that period the Posed would have been for the mutual advantage of both
surplus profits were to be taken as equal to one per companies.—(Hear, hear.)
cent., and the absolute guarantee would thence- The CHAIR3IAM said it was perfectly true that the
forth be 5 per cent. on a limited extent of directors had abstained from voting, and it was equally
Gloncester and Dean Forest share capital, namely, true that they bad a legal right to do so ; but they had
254,0001.—(Hear, hear.) In addition to this guarantee, felt that the agreement was a question which rested
there would still be required 10,000/. to complete the solely with the proprietors, and therefore it was that the
works of the line, but there would be no difficulty in the directors bad abstained from voting.—(Hear, hear.)
way of raisins that further capital.--(Hear, hear.) The Mr. NORRIS felt that some apology was due to the
Gloucester and Dean Forest had consented to assist an meeting for the delay which bad taken place in the
undertaking known as the Ross and Hereford Railway, completion of the Birmingham and Oxford line. It was
which would be a great feeder to the former line, and of vital importance that the Northern line should be
the directors of the Great Western had consented, on the brought into active operation as soon as possible; and
completion of the Ross and Hereford Railway, to extend he, therefore, recommended the directors to push on the
the guarantee on the 254,0001, to five and a half per works as fast as possible.—(Hear, hear.) That line
cent.—(Hear, hear.) The directors had made arrange- would open up a direct communication between Liverpool
meats with the Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton Corn- and Manchester, Southampton and Dover, as well as
pany for conveying traffic through to the north. He place the north in easy access to the west.—(Bear,)
need not remark that this arrangement was not come to He highly approved of the state of the accounts, which
till all attempts at amicable negotiation had failed with he really believed were strictly correct, and went
the London and North-Western Railway. These nego- amply into detail; but he should be glad if in ftiture
tiations were not broken off until every hope of a satin- the able accountant who assisted is their preparation
factory result being at length obtained had entirely va- would affix his certificate to them, staking his reputation
nished, for the terms which were demanded by the Lon- for their accuracy.—(Hear, hear.) He wished that
don and North-Western were so extravagant that they course to be pursued to silence cavillers out of doors,
could only have been acceded to at a loss to this corn- and he hoped this suggestion would not be lost sight on'
pany.—(Hear, hear.) In confirmation of this it was —(Hear, hear.) He was glad to see that the directors
only necessary for him to mention, that the cost of did not think it beneath their notice to refer to the
independent stations at Birmingham, and inde-
project of establishing a steam communication between
pendent lines beyond that town, would not
Plymouth and the east, for that scheme would be of
exceed, if indeed it did not fall short, of the expenditure great service, and he trusted it would be supported by
which the terms proposed by the London and North- the company.—(Hear.)
Western Company would have necessitated.—(Hear, The Rev. Mr. Necnoesow blamed the directors for
hear.) The interest of the company had therefore not having abstained from voting on the South Wales cues-
been damaged to any serious extent by the suspension of tion. No doubt if the original agreement for a lease of a
the negotiations, inasmuch as, though the agreements line to Fishguard could be enforced, the South Wales pro-
made with the Shrewsbury and Birmingham and prietors were right in rejecting the proposal, but he did
Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton Companies in no way not believe that it could be legally maintained, and it
increased the liabilities of the company, it would never- was therefore foolish in them to negative the propssal
theless oonsiderabiy improve its traffic.—(Hear, hear.) of this company.—(Hear, hear.) Now with regard to
The directors were most anxious to be at peace the lines in the north, he should be glad to know if any
with their neighbour, but they could not receive arrangement had been made, or if not, was one contem-
that peace at a sacrifice of their own interests.--(Hear, plated, for working the traffic between Chester and Bir-
hear.) They had done nothing that could at all assume k-enhead ? He was rejoiced to hear that an arrangement
the aspect of an aggressive policy, since the same lines of that sort had been concluded with the Srewsbury and
they were about to co-operate with were just as much Birmingham and Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton, but
open to the London and North-Western traffic, and the he was still sadly afraid that the London and North-
Great-Western Company could, therefore, only get that Western Company would overreach them in the same
' amount of increased traffic which legitimately belonged manner that they had attempted to do in the case of the
to them.—(Hear, hear.) Passing from the subject of Birmingham and Oxford line.—(Hear, hear.) Now, to
these negotiations to the immediate operations of the avert such an evil as that, had tee directors taken steps
Great-1e extern Railway itself, he thought the results to secure a lease of these lines, so as to prevent the Lon-
a .thiepast half-year were highly satisfactory. The re- don and North-Western Company coming into the
turns from the:goods traffic had been within 200/. of that market and purchasing up shares to give them a prepen-
of the last halt of the year 1849, and prima facie it derating influence in the meetings of the two companies?
would almost seem that this description of their traffic The CHAIRMAN said neither they nor any other corn-
was stationary; but when he took into consideration the Par,' could lease either line, as there was no legislative
severe competition they had this year had to contend power for doing so.
The Rev. Mr. Mei:rouser—Yes, but it may be sought
with by the opening of now railways, there was reason
' to conclude that the goods traffic was still on tho in- for.
' crease.—(Hear, hear.) The peseeneer ti affic exhibited The CHAIRMAN did not believe that it would, nor did
• .
an increase of 23,0001, of which 10,0001. was produced he expect that the London and North Western Com-
by pleasure traffic; a circumstance which clearly indi- Pany would profit by the Rev. Gentleman's suggestion
cased that the development of railway traffic had as yet about purchasing shares.—(Hear.)
, The Rev. Mr. Nicaonsore—l protest against that far from reached its limits—(Fleur)—and which should
pro-
fill them A ith hive for the future.—(Hear, hear.) In ceeding, it is not fair; I made no suggestion.
this state of things he thought no one could find fault The CHAIRMAN said the course which the London
either with the results of their traffic operations or with ,and North-Western Company pursued with refer-
the favourable appearance of the accounts, and he would enco to the Birmingham and Oxford lino did not meet
therefore detain them no longer on this branch of his with so much success as to induce them to try
subject, but with the permission of the shareholders the experiment again. (Hear, hear, and cheers.)
would take a glance at the prospects of the coming year. The directors felt, however, that they were dealing with
—(Hear, hear.) Before it closed the directors expected honourable men, who would be above any such ma-
, to be in a position to open both the South Wales Line neeuvres, and the proprietors needy therefore, be under
and the Northern Line, which of course would no apprehension that these lines would slip through
materially augment the traffic in 1852, while the hands of this company.—(Hear, hear.)
for the preserit year he thought the meeting Mr. DE WINTON would be glad to know if the direc-
`would agree with him that the Great Exhibi- tors had any objection to appoint a committee, selected
Lion would bring them more traffic than they could con- from their own and the proprietors' body, to re-open
veniently manage' at least it might be supposed so at the negotiation with the South Wales Company, with
first sight, but the engineer and superintendents of the a view to a modified agreement.—(Hear, hear.) The
line were making such extensive preparations at all the present state of things was highly injurious to both coin-
stations that it would be almost impossible for them to Panics, for an impression was abroad that the company
be taken by surprise.—(Hear, hear.) The future, there- was bound to pay the South Wales 200,0004 per annum
fore, was foil of hope and promise, so much so, indeed, under the original agreement, and the consequence was,
that it would be perceived from the language of the the shares of the Great Western were kept below par.
• report, that additional sheds were already required, The CHAIRMAN said the directors would be most
while the due accommodation of the public would happy to meet the South Wales Company for the pur-
impose upon them the duty of building an hotel near to Pose of carrying into effect any amicable arrangements;
the Paddington station.—(Cheers.) But these were mat- they thought, under all the circumstances of the
ters which would have to be fully referred to when they else, the first overtures ought to come from the South
came to the special business of the day ; and thanking Wales Company.—(Hear, hear.) If any modification
the meeting for the attention they had given him, he could be proposed in the say of managing the South
would resume his seat by requesting Mr. Sanders to Wales line, the directors were quite ready to carryout
read the report of the directors,---(Hcar, hear.)
any details of that sort, but the directors must nevertheless Mr. SANDERS then read the report which stated—. be allowed to adhere to the determination. he bad men-
. The directors have to report, for the information of the tioned in his opening address, namely, that they would
proprietors, that during the last half-year openings have make no advance in the pecuniary terms that had been
taken place of the Oxford and Rugby line to Banbury, a proposed to the South Wales Company.—(Hear.)
distance of twenty-four miles beyond Oxford; and of the Mr. DELOITTE, the accountant, adverting to what had
Wilts and Somerset line to Frame, six miles beyond fallen froms M. r. Norris, said he was quite ready to ap•
Westbury. The traffic is carried over both those railways Wished it,
certificate to the accounts if the shareholders
at present by means of a single line of rails, but the
works have been constructed for a double railway.
The accounts of revenue comprise the receipts and reputation for the accuracy of the accounts.—(Elear.)
expenditure in respect of those lines since their After some further discussion the resolution for the
.openings successively, on the 2d September and 7th October, adoption of the report was put and carried unanimously.
as well as those of the other railways worked during the six A dividend after the rate of 4i per cent. was then
trim:tem on account of this company. They do not include declared on the paid-up capital of the company, payable
h South Wales revenue, the proceeds of which are sepa- on the Ist of March next, and a resolution agreed to
rately accounted for, as belonging to that company. The forfeiting a number of shares whose holders were de-
general result of the accountsean scarcely fail to prove sa- faulters in the calls.
tisfactory to the proprietors, for they show increased receipts
and dimished expenditure, with a larger disposable
balance, after every charge The retiring directors were then re-Elected, and the
has been defrayed out of revenue, ordinary business of the half-yearly meeting closed
° t
and after providing . for the interest due t
he with a vote of thanks to the auditors.
'
31st December last, on the fixed 44 per cent. stock,
which Mr. HUNT presented a memorial helm Bath, praying
has a preferential claim on the disposable receipts of the the directors to suspend all unnecessary traffic on
company, the directors have no hesitation in recommending Sundays, and moved a resolution requesting the,directors
that a dividend should be declared on the consolidated to comply' with the prayer of the memorialists.
stock. and shares, at the rate of four per cent per annum, Mr. MORRIS hoed the meeting would pause before
to be payable to the proprietors on the Ist of March, it adopted such a resolution. Nothing had produced so
which will leave a balance of 49,660/. 12s. 9d. to be carried much good, so much sobriety, so much morality amongst
forward. With respect to the prospective revenue of the the working classes of the metropolis as the faeilities which
eompany, the directors have to announce the completion railways afforded them for enjoying the fresh air
of an important agreement for the interchange of traffic of e country, and so far from curtailing the Sunday
with the Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and Shrewsbury
eel
Thee eudr s
1 ii
motion
pan
i a cot
noc o
increasem m od. a t
it.—(Hear,
to n.
....(t directorshear. ought to be
and Chester Railway Companies, who must be regarded
as the natural allies and feeders of your Birmingham and.Hh ee
a r,
Wolverhampton lines, from which they will. derive equal
was ultimately negatived by a large majority, only eight
met with considerable opposition, and it
s eng eld up m its favour.
benefit in return by obtaining the traffic which the Gr
eat
hand b i h •
Western lineas.c.aii command in the south of England to. be
conveyed to
those
tee in the north or north-west, to which A SHAREHOLDER would be glad to know, before the the three comp eye access. The agreement was sealed by went into the business of the • special meeting, if the 2.:
consideration of its on
the 10th January, after a careful rectors had considered the expediencof •
for which the provisions, limited to traffic purposes tickets. y granting season
only
Legislature had conferred lull powers The CHAIRMAN said they had, and the conclusion they
on the respective ards of management. It ma
Y• had arrived at was that it was not expedient.
be peeper to mention en this occasion, that be-
fore your directors co °A
cmmunicate with —__________
___ _ _
the directors of the Shrews
agreement, all hops' had be
ned of obtaining any
Companies respecting any
equitable arrangement with tha Toned
.ouir. Birmingham, or
Railway Company for a common matron and Nortil7Western
Jthoatly between Bir-
for the use of railways to be constructed
bt
tin the town of
rain ham and Wolverhampton, or for
rteen the two
Leamington, and that the negotiations
esstbential to
boards had terminated.n
eTnmhepldeitrinecgtoarsndthoipnalecnin
Lot :cline to
proceed expeditiously
Birmingham, and they have already given orders
completion of the Gloucester and IDe laYn.
The approaching
Forest Railway at the time when the South Wales line will
probably be opened throughout, from the junction at Grange
Court to Chepstow, renders it advisable to take this oppor-
tunity of submitting for confirmation the original agreement
far a lease of it, together with a' supplemental and more de-
fined agreement, introducing some modification in the
terms and conditions, to which your 'directors recommend
that the assent of the special general meeting should be also
given. In the original deed it was provided that 4 per cent.
welt half of the profits should be secured to the share-
holders of the Gloucester and Dean Forest Railway, upon the
capital they were authorised to reise which amounted alto-
1. gather to 425,000/
Supplemental agreement
The modification published in 1848.
, as explained' in the financial statement.
efimodification introduced into the
, ent, xes the rent to be paid at 4i per
eaht, on 254,000 e of share capital for five years, and at 5 per
• • can4:44ei alhiftnta after that
apneriod, leaving it in the hands of
thisewompatty to control
need efilyetteyond that amount! expenditure which may be
which is estimated not to ex-
-ceeir.:l4otaeig 413tottcester. makint a
bran e:11 his and finishing the dock
4
are only to defray the
1411arele,110-o:taar be payablen2PanY
andibielzitnemie• be raised ~,.. Ti. sueb additional capital,
. 4" It adder the powers of the
7
. ,/

SPECIAL MEETING.
The shareholdersthenreoslolloivvedingthpeamraseglrvaepsh iinatothae
special meeting, when the f
~directors'A
specialreport
noticewia 3
hread
beenand
gciovnesni considered:_
eo
re d :consider the
derjoinat Paddington for an
ty
Ing to the station, and
pro-
priety of authorising the directors to appropriate a por-
tion of 'the company's prophotel, and other premises
cobuilt and
or
security leased
under proper covenants, upon
to arrange for procuring such
the
be
guarantee
of the company. This accommodation is much needed
be
by the public, in proof of which it may .
enced
ver
stated that
an offer has been already made by an experienced
ma-
nager of such business, to take the lease, paying a y
remunerative return fur any money which may be ex-
Pe .
nded, with adequate security for the performance of
his engagements. The directors are satisfied that, not
only will the company derive an accession of traffic
from passengers who may he induced to travel
on their railwa
nicnce of y, in consequence of the conve-
the want a good hotel at the London terminus,
of which might influence them to select some
other line, but that the rent of the premises, besides de-
fraying all interest on the capital, will enable them
gradually to repay the principal without loss to the
company. If the proprietors concur in the expediency
of such a measure, under a resolution which will be
leave
submitted to the meeting, it is intended to apply fa.
s into a Bill now before
Parliament for the purpose of carrying it into effect.
The directors recommend that the 17/. shares should I ilk
oQn?red into onsylidated Wok 94 the Ist Jgly nen,

M II 40

by which time it is probable that the calls will have been
paid up in full; and they think it will be for the interest
of the company to pass a resolution authorising in like
manner the conversion of the Great Western Windsor
shares of 201. each into the same consolidated stock, not
exceeding 130,0001., as and when the amount of each
share may be paid up in full."
Resolutions were passed in conformity with these re-
commendations, and the new agreement, referred to by
the chairman in his opening address, was read and
confirmed. This closed the business of the special
meeting.

A vole of thanks was then passed to the Chairman,
who briefly acknowladged the compliment, and the pro-
ceedings of the meeting, which were protracted to 4 late
hour, terminated.

_ -
EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY.
A special general meeting of the shareholders of this
company was held yesterday, at the London Tavern,
Bishopsgate-street, " to consider, and if approved, to au-
thorize the directors to cagy into full effect two several
agreements with the Norfolk, and Eastern Union Rail-
way Companies respectively, for the permanent working
by this company of their railways in csnjunction with
those of the Norfolk and the Eastern Union Railway
Companies, upon terms and conditions, subject to stipu-
lations and agreements, which will be laid before the
meeting."
Long before the hour of meeting, one o'clock, the
large room of the tavern was densely crowded with pro-
prietors, and the greatest excitement appeared to prevail.
Joseph Glynn, Esq., the deputy chairman of the com-
pany, presided.
J. P. RONEY, Esq., the secretary, having read the ad-
vertisement convening the meeting, then read the beads
of the proposed agreements, which appeared in The Sun
on the Ist instant.
In reply to a SHAREHOLDER,
The Solicitor of the Company, Mr. MAYNARD, stated
that the agreement for carrying out the above heads
was not yet in a form to receive the seal of the company,
but it could be prepared immediately after the reso-
lutions which were to be submitted to the meeting to-
day were passed.
The CHAIIaMAN, after expressing his regret at the
cause which led to the resignation of Mr. Betts, the
late chairman, and claiming the indulgence of the
meeting while he explained the object for which
it had been called, this being the first occasion on
which he had presided over a meeting of the cempany,
proceeded to observe that it had been thought best
by the three companies that a special general meeting
of the Eastern Counties Company should be called, in
order that they might not be trammelled by the dif-
ferent questions which came before them at the half-
yearly meetings. The question to be discussed to-day
was of a very grave and important character, and he hoped
it would be considered calmly and dispassionately.—
(Hear, hear.) He would allude, in the first instance,
to the origin of the agreement between the three com-
panies. They were all aware that an agreement was
made to work: the Eastern Union Railway in concert
for a given length of time. That agreement had certainly
not been satisfactory, and they received a notice for its
termination from the Eastern Union Company; but though
that agreement was unsatisfactory in itself, there had been
a great and good result from it, showing what could be
done, if the working of the lines could be permanently
united, for the public good,—(Hear, hear.) The agree-
ment with the Norfolk line expired in 1845. Besides
the unsatisfactory state of things with the Eastern Union,
which now existed, the directors apprehended a Parlia-
mentary contest in the ensuing session, because notices
had been published by that company of their intention
to ask for powers to run over the Eastern Counties line;
and they would have to contest such application, and,
if possible, prevent it.—(Hear.) Now, the policy of
uniting the three lines had been strongly impressed on
his mind ever since he became connected with the
company, not only with those, but also all
the other lines in the East Anglian district.
They had all one mutual interest, and if the traffic east-
ward of Norwich were better developed, all parties would
be benefited. That was his fixed and deliberate opi-
nion. The Eastern Union were about forming a junction,
which was nearly completed, with the Norwich Railway,
at a hamlet named Trowice, in the neighbourhood of Nor-
wich. When the railways were thus united the junction
would form one system of communication from London
to the pricipal station of the Norwich Company, and a
communication from London to the east and west, by
Colchester, Yarmouth, Dereham, and the midland dis-
tricts of England. Taking, therefore, into considera-
tion that they had a kind of" hollow truce" with the East-
ern Union, and that the agents of the Eastern Counties
and the Eastern Union were trying to get as much traffic
on their respective lines, and bring as much into their
respective coffers as they could, they must lament these
circumstances, and all be desirous of preventing such
injurious competition. (Cries of " Hear, hear.")
Being then on the eve of a Parliamentary
contest, he thought it right to open a communication
with Mr. Cobbold, the chairman of the Eastern Union,
and Mr. Bignold. They all agreed it was a sad thing
going on spending unprofitably the monay of their share-
holders, and they thought it would be advisable to come
to an understanding, whereby might be set aside the Par-
liamentary contest, all hostile proceedings done away with,
and a harmonious working of the lines entered upon for the
good of all. The result of these communications was that
a number of deputies from the three companies was ap-
pointed to confer upon and discuss the matter. Four
gentlemen from this company were appointed to meet
three from the other two companies. The basis on
which they came to an understanding was as follows.
They ascertained that the gross earnings of the
three companies for the last twelve months, taking
those of the Eastern Union from the opening to Norwich,
amounted to 935,0001. Now they felt that if any
union was effected, they bad only one locomotive
establishment instead of three ; the working expenses
might be reduced to forty-five per cent. on the gross earn-
ings. They assumed the gross earnings in their
calculations to be only 900,0001., though they did
not anticipate that they would ever be so small.
The guarantees of the Eastern Counties amounted at
present to 246,0001. a year; the guarantees of the Nor-
folk Company would not exceed 60,000/4 the Eastern
Union had been ascertained at 70,0001. It was agreed
that these two latter sums, 60,000/. and 70,000/,
should be the maximum of the guarantees;
but with respect to the Eastern Counties Coma
pany, it was arranged that it should purchase the
rolling stock of the Eastern Union, and other. things
which he could not now detail, and that there should be
allowed a further margin of 20,0001. a yeeer, making the
sum which the Eastern Counties guarantees amount to
266,0001. Supposing, therefore, the gross earning in
1845 to be 495,0004, and the total guarantees of
the three companies to be 3/6,0001, there would
be a surplus of 119,0001. a yea:e. Now, after considerable
discussion, it was arranged that the Eastern Counties
should take 6-Bths, the Eastern Union *th, and the Nor-
folk 6th. This would make a total of 120,000 Z. being
90,000/. to the Eastern Counties, and 30,000/. to the other two companies. The number of miles
belonging to the Eastern Counties proper was 228, the Eastern Union 95, the Norfolk 94. The total
amount of consolidated stock was 8,193,0001., of which
the Eastern Counties had 5,886,0004, Eastern Union
1,310,0001., and the Norfolk 997,000/. Therefore it
would be seen that the division of one-eighth to the
Eastern Counties was a fair and equitable arrange-
ment under the circumstances. If this plan was car-
ried out the earnings would he better, the expenses
less, and peace would exist between the rival companies.
At present he had proxies placed in his hands in favour
of the proposition amounting to 11,670 votes and 496
votes had been sent in too late, making a total of
12,166 votes.—(ol2, oh, and cheers.) Further votes
had been lodged in the name of independent
shareholders, making an aggregate of 1,445 votes.
After alb:Ailing to other circumstances, the chairman
concluded by moving the resolution for the confirma-
tion ad the agreement entered into by the three com-
Palsies.
Mr. GEACH proposed an amendment to the effect
that the meeting should be adjourned to the 25th of
March, to enable proprietors to consider the
terms of the amalgamation. He felt no hostility
towards the directors, believing they were entitled to
his thanks for the policy, they had pursued, but they
ought to be careful ere they sanctioned an arrangement
which might possibly result in injury to the company.
It was not right that so important an agreement should
be discussed at one meeting with such imperfect
information before them.—(Cheers.) This agreement
would probably last till every man in the room was
removed from the world, and therefore the necessity of
caution became apparent.—(Cheers.) Th was
beside fifteen millions of money
involvedere in this
amalgamation. He hoped the motion for an
adjournment would be carried.—(Hear.) He was quite
aware of the necessity of making concessions on all
sides, but supposing they had Bd. to divide, they should
see that they got their proper share of the money,--
(Laughter.) The Eastern Counties Company had lately
had an unfortunate notoriety, and they should do every-
thing in their power to satisfy the public that the
management would now be freed from those evils which
had hitherto attached to it. He did not think that any
dame was to be attributed to the directors, the officers,
or, indeed, to anybody else.—(Groans and laughter.)
The Hon. Gentleman concluded by putting his amend-
ment to the meeting.
Mr. Box agreed with Mr. Geach, that sufficient
data had not been placed before the meeting to enable
it to form an opinion on the aubject under consideration.
Ho therefore cordially supported the amendment, and
suggested the propriety of appointing a committee of
shareholders to assist the directors in completing the
terms of the agreement.—(Cheers.)
Mr. Cl:Husain entirely concurred in the sentiment er
pressed by Mr. Box. A bargain cut many ways, and it
might happen that the Eastern Counties Company were
the sufferers in the thou ht the present instance.—(Cheers.) He
appointment of a committee would be satis-
factory to all parties.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. BROWN, of Glasgow, said it required no ingenuity
to see that by a union of the lines they would be more
prosperous than under the present system.—(Hear,
hear.) In every possible point of view he thought
the proposed arrangement should be carried out, it
being both fair and equitable; and no beneficial result
could arise, but rather an injury, from adjourniag the
meeting before it was determined.—(Cheers, and cries
of "No, no," and uproar.)
Mr. Howse supported the amendment. Although
their property had been much wasted by strife and dis-
sension, still they should not be frightened to defer de-
termining the question before the meeting• until they
were supplied with the necessary information.
Mr. E. MILES also supported the amendment.
Mr. ADAMS said every one agreed as to the desirabie
lity of an amalgamation, for if the present opposition was
to be carried oa between London and Norwich, the
affairs of the whole three companies would be involved
in one common rain; but the proprietors should not rush
into ttn arrogetnent until they bad the terms of

it before them.—(Hear, hear.) There could not
be a more false test by which to judge of the equity of
the arrangement than that adopted by the chairman.
Mr. Sergeant GASELEE observed, that if he had
ever thought proxies ought to be abolished, as
being injurious to the independence of railway companies,
the declaration of the chairman had satisfied his mind
completely.—(Loud cheers.) He stated that 12,000
proxies had been received by the company, and they
were from persons, it should be recollected, who could
have no possible means of judging of the terms of
the amalgamation.—(Cheers.) For himself, he would
not consent to the agreement without ample time for
consideration, and he hoped that the proprietors would
be unanimous in assenting to the proposition for an
adjournment.—(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN said he might settle the Honourable
and Learned Gentleman's doubts by answering, that it
was not the intention of the directors to use the proxies
on the question of adjournment.—(Loud cheers.)
After some further discussion, carried on amidst much
uproar, an amendment was passed by a large majority,
adjourning the meeting until the 18th of March, and
appointing a committee to confer with the directors on
the subject of the agreement.
The following gentlemen were then named to consti-
tute the committee:—Mr. Box, Mr. M'Claren, Mr.
Waddington, Mr. Geach. Mr. Nichols, Mr. Filcher, Mr.
Sitnnionds, Mr. Paulin;;, and Captain Kelly.
A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the
meeting separated.

NORFOLK RAILWAY COMPANY.
A meeting of the shareholders of this company was
held yesterday, at the Guildhall- ehembers, Basinghall-
street, for the purpose of considering an agreement tor
consolidation to be made with the Eastern Counties
and Eastern Union Railway Companies; Major Tyndal
in the chair.
The agreement having been read to the following
effect :
" Ist. The Eastern Counties Railway Company to under-
take the working of all the lines of railway belonging to the
three companies.
" 2d. The Eastern Counties Railway Company to take at
a valuation all the rolling stock belonging to the Eastern
Union Railway Company ; and also to take the rolling
stock belonging to the Norfolk Railway Company, at the
valuation already made thereof by Mr. R. Stephenson.
"3d. After repayment to the Eastern Counties Railway
Company of all the expenses of working and maintaining the
several lines, the surplus to be first applied in payment of the
interest on the debentures and dividends on preference stock
issued by the several companies; it being, however, stipu-
lated that under this head the Eastern Counties Railway
Company shall not receive more than 266,000/., the Norfolk
Company more than 60,0001., and the Eastern Union Com-
pany more than 70,0001.
"4th. The divisible surplus to have the benefit of any re-
duction in the rate of interest payable upon the debentures
of the several companies.
" sth. The residue of the surplus remaining after payment
of the interest and dividends on the debentures and prefe-
rence stocks, to be divided as follows:
The Eastern Counties Railway Company
to receive -Bths
The Norfolk Company ... ..... 1-Bth.
The Eastern Union Company l-Bth.
"6th, The Norfolk and Eastern Union Railway Companies
each to select one of their directors, who shall qualify to be a
director of the Eastern Counties Railway Company's Board,
and for whom vacancies will be made.
z' "7th. Each of those companies to have an office at the
Bishopsgate station of the Eastern Counties Railway Com-
pany, and to be allowed each 5001. per annum for the ex-
penses of their directions and their office staffs, the same to
form part of the working expenses.
" Bth. The agreement now existing between the Eastern
Counties Railway Company and the Norfolk Railway Com-
pany to be cancelled.
" 9th. The branch line from Manningtree to Harwich to
be made as soon as possible on the joint responsibility of the
three companies.
" 10th. The agreement to be made for fifty years, from the
sth of January, 1851.
"llth. Application to be made to Parliament for an Act of
Amalgamation of the three companies upon the preceding
basis at some convenient period.
" 12th. The above arrangements to be subject to confirma-
tion by the shareholders of each of the three companies, for
which purpose a special general meeting is to be called for the
13th February.
The CHAIRMAN then submitted the following resolu-
tion to the meeting:—" That the terms of the agree-
ment now read be adopted, provided a similar resolution
be this day passed by the Eastern Counties Railway
Company and the Eastern Union Railway Company re-
spectively. That in the event of such resolution being
passed by the other companies, the directors
of this be, and they are hereby authorised and
empowered to carry the terms of the agreement into ef-
fect, and to enter into and execute, under the company's
seal, such deeds or instruments as counsel may advise to
be necessary for the purpose."
Mr. PETO, M.P., seconded the motion.
Major COURT said there were three points on which
he wished for information; one was why the rolling
stock which had been handed over to the East-
ern Counties Railway Company had not been
valued, why the sums to be paid as interest on
the debenture and preference stock were fixed
in the respective proportions set forth in the agreement,
and also why the residue surplus was to be divided into
eighths. He thought sufficient information had not
been issued to the directors on that point, and he should
theretbre move an amendment that the confirmation of
the agreement be postponed until some further informa-
tion be fernisked to the shareholders.
Mr. PXTO, M.P., said that there could be no difficulty
iu replying to the Gillant Major. With regard to the
rolling stock, the Gallant Major would find, if he looked
to the lust report, that a valuation of the rolling stock
had been made by Mr. Robert Stephenson at the time
when it was handed over, and that since the award of
that gentleman had been made, Mr. Marbury, on the
part of the Eastern Counties, and himself (Mr.
Peto) had been engaged in considering that award,
and it was only in the course of last week that they had
come to a conclusion. The next matter of which the
Gallant Major complained was, why the amount to be
divided, the debentures and preference stocks, bad been
put atsuch high sums as they were? To this he could only
say that they meant these sums to be such as should
cover all the interest of the debentures and preference
stock, and in calculating this it was absolutely necessary
to take a margin large enough in me of all tieing
cove,red. With regard to the surplus being divided into
'eighths, the proprietors would see that by this plan it did
not matter to them what might be the capital of other
companies. The principle on which it had been ar-
ranged was the amount of capital which each brought to
bear: the Eastern Counties brought nearly
•,000.000L, the Eastern Union 1,300,0001., and
the Norfolk Railway nearly 1,000,0001. A ques-
tion had been asked as to whether the Harwich
branch was covered by this agreement, and he must tell
them that it was not. They all felt that when these
three companies were consolidated this branch would be
of the greatest importance. The Eastern Union had
not executed that branch, and he thought wisely, for at
best it would only have carried the traffic over abou t
four or five miles of their line and then delivered it to
the Eastern Counties. The mode in which this branch
could be executed would not require any expenditure
of capital, as the contractor who had undertaken it
was willing to take the tolls in payment for his work.
He had always said there would be no dividend at
all approaching that which the proprietors had a right
to expect, until the whole eastern district should be
consolidated. They never would bring down the
working expenses of the line to such a sum
as would leave them a fair dividend until
they were united. Last year the three com-
panies had received in traffic 930,0001., and the
Great Northern could not by any chance take away
from them more than 30,0004 If then their line was
worked at the expense which it ought to be, they
would be reduced to at least 45 per cent. of the gross
receipts; and they could at once see that this would bring
them a much larger dividend than had been paid for
some years. This was not a question of how
much each company should get more than another,
but it was whether they should take advantage of au
opportunity by which,with judicious management at head-
quarters, they might effect a reduction of at least
100,000/. per annum.—(Hear, hear.) He could not be-
lieve that a large concern like the Eastern Counties,
capable of earning a million a year, would long con-
tinue in its present state. The truth was they had
a divided board there, and where that was the case,
however great might be the talents and energy of the
gentlemen composing it, there was no security left
against mismanagement. Again, they must take care
to have proper men in the directorship—men of high
standing, who could not afford to have a spot cast upon
their characters—who would act in the affairs of a rail-
way as they would in their own private concerns. If
they had men like these, and paid them
well
il
for
rtheir services, so as to enable them
to devote their whole time, energy, and knowledge
tothe
have it well managed,asa
n
--(Hear,) The Brighton
example of this, and their having a man like Mr. Laing
at the head of their management was the reason why
Brighton Railway stock approached nearer to the price
of Consols than any other in the market.—(Hear, hear.)
He believed that this arrangement was one
calculated to benefit all the tbree companies,
if they went into it without mutual jealousy,
and a determination to carry it out for the joint benefit
of all. It was not one which could be culled " sharp
practice" and a " hard bargain," for he had observed
that such agreements as these never benefited either
party, and he would infinitely rather let the Norfolk
Railway remain as it was, and throw the agreement into
the fire, than go into it without a principle of mu-
tuality and joint interest.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.)
But even supposing this agreement were not carried out
with these two companies, the Norfolk Railway Com-
pany would net be in a condition of despair; the
Northern Railway Company would be very glad to offer
them equally as good conditions, and therefore, as a
large proprietor in the company, and one who had
never sold a share, he did not care one farthing
whether this agreement were carried out or not.
Still, as he believed it to be a just and equitable one,
which would be for the mutual benefit of the three com-
panies, and which would ultimately bring the greatest
amount into the pockets of the shareholdess, he might
say that he hoped it would. It was for the interest of
this company to be in alliance with the Eastern
Counties and with the Eastern Union. He hoped,
then, that they would all no into it heartily and
jointly, with confidence in their directors. They had no
secrets to keep from them, and he was sure that nothing
would at any time occur which could sully the fair fame
of any of the directors.—(Great cheering.)
Major COURT said that after the able explanation
which had beau given by Mr. Peto, he should not persist
in putting his amendment.
After a short discussion the amendment was with-
drawn.
In reply to a question from a SHAREHOLDER,
Mr. PETO explained that the two directors of the
Norfolk and Eastern 'Union Railway Company would
sit At 029 Ent= Counties Railway Board, to watch the

interests of their several companies. The proportion
was quite fair, and was setrlod on the ratio of the
unguaranteed stock belongiog to each company.
The original rs:;olution was then par, and carried
unanimously, amid loud cheering.
The meeting then separated after a vote of thanks to
the Chairman.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

EASTERN UNION RAILWAY.
A general meeting of the Eastern Union Railway
Company was held yesterday at Radley's Hotel; John
Cobbold, E et, M.P., in the chair.
The CHAIRMAN said that the shareholders had been
called together to consider the terms of agreement at
present in operation between the Eastern Union Railway
Company and the Eastern Counties Company, and whe-
ther an amalgamation should ho formed with that com-
pany or not. Having read the heads of the new agree-
ment, he said that the shareholders were aware that the
object of the directors in entering into this
agreement was to reduce their expenses, and con-
sequently improve the income of the company. It
was very evident that nothing was to be look( d for out of
the Eastern Company, and it was therefore plain that if
any loss were sustained at all it must be suffered by the
Eastern Union Company. The arrangement had been
made in the expectation that the working expenses
would be reduced. That expectation had been disap-
pointed, but he did hope that by an alteration
of their present arrangements they would save
1,000/. a week, or 50,0001. a year. Indeed, if all the
advantages were obtained which the directors expected
not less than 100,0001. a year would accrue for the pay-
ment of the dividends; and while they were obtaining
these advantages for themselves, the public would be
better served. With these observations, he would call
upon the secretary to read the pith of the agreement.
The SECRETARY then read an abstract of the agree-
ment, by which it appeared that the Eastern Coun-
ties Company were to insure to the Easiern Union
Company 70,000/., and purchase all the rolling stock
of the company ; the Eastern Counties were to
receive six-eights of the gross receipts, the
Norfolk Company one-eighth, and the Eastern Union
Company one-eighth—that 5001. a year was to bo ap-
propriated for the payment of the direction of the Nor-
folk Company, and a similar sum for the payment of
the direction of the Eastern Union Company; the
latter company agreeing to sell the whole of their sur-
plus lands.
To a question from a SHAREHOLDER,
The CHAIRMAN replied, that the amount of guarantee
given for preference shares was, in fact, 256.0001, but
the Eastern Company took a margin of 10,000/., so that
virtually it amounted to 266,0001.
To Mr. Jocel) n, Mr. Taylor, and other shareholders,
The CHAIRMAN replied that the depreciation of the
rolling stock was amply provided for by the terms of the
agreement, which was to last for 50 years from Jan. 5,
1851, each company taking its own proportion of profit
and loss. The Eastern Counties Company, in their
amalgamation with the Northern and Eastern, had
agreed to allow that one-third of the members of the board
of direction should represent the Northern and Eastern
shareholders.. The number of the directors had been
reduced from 18 to 12, and four of the members of that
board were shareholders of the Northern and Eastern
Counties Company.
Mr. HuskETT conceived that as he understood there
was, in the event of an amalgamation with the Eastern
Counties Company, to be only one director from the
Eastern Union Company, be certainly could not fairly
advocate the claims of this company.
The CHAIRMAN replied, that the amount of gua-
ranteed receipts for the payment of interest of
debentures or other liabilities was 266,0004 ;
the amount guaranteed for the Norfolk Company
was 60,000 L, and that for the Eastern Union Com-
pany, 70,0001., being in strict accordance with the
amounts of capital of the different companies. The un-
guaranteed amount of the stock of the Eastern Counties
Company was 6,000,000/. ; of the Norfolk Company,
1,000,000/. ; and of the Eastern Union Company,
1,000,0001. The gross receipts on the Eastern Union
line for the last year were 111,0001., the gross receipts
being about fifty per cent. of that amount.
To a member, the CHAIRMAN replied, that in the event
of there being any deficiency in the receipts to meet the
several claims upon the respective companies, each was
to bear its own proportion of the loss.
Mr. STUROE said that he had carefully considered the
accounts which had been issued, and he believed them to
be very correct. From these accounts it appeared
that the whole of the amount necessary for paying
the interest of debentures, and the dividends of
the preference shares, would be 60,0001. a-year,
so that there would be a balance of 10,000/. a-year
for the general purposes of the company. As
for the working stock there was no doubt but that the
Eastern Counties Company would for their own sake
keep that in working order. The only point that re-
mained in any doubt was the payment of the out debts of
this company. The Eastern Counties Company were to
purchase the whole of the present stock, which would
give a fund for the paynient of the outstanding liabilities
of the comjeany, amounting, as he understood, to
300,000/.

HOUSE OF LORDS, Feb. 13.
The LORD CHANCELLOR tuns hl6 seat on the Wi.::olsat:lc
at Five o'clock.

CASE OF THE BIRDS.
Lord CAMPBELL brought in a Bill to simplify the
mode of procedure in criminal cases. This Bill was ren-
dered necessary in consequence of the decision of the
Judges in the case of the Births; sa uncertain Wll3 the
construction of the law, that in that case on appeal,
and after hearing argument, it bad teen found
that eight of the Judges had been found to be of one
opinion and six of another. In order to make the state
of the law cfirtain he had introduced this Hill.
AGRICULTURAL DisTmeis.
Lord STANLEY presented sevtral petitions com-
plaining of agricultural distress, aad gave notice that
on Tuesday next his Noble Friend Lord Malmesbury
would bring forward a motion, drawing the attention of
their Lordships to the state of the country.
EXTENSION OF COUNTY COURTS BILL.
Lord BROUGHAM withdrew the Bill which he had
introduced on this rubject, and brought in a second,
which met certain objections that had been made to the
original Bill.

Several petitions were presented by various Noble
Lords against the Papal aggression.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE laid on the table cer-
tain orders in council, by command ot. her Majesty.
ENFRANCHISEMENT OF WOMEN.
The Earl of CARLISLE presented a petition from
the female inbA2itants of Sheffield, in public meeting as-
sembled, signed by the: chairwoman on behalf of the
meeting, praying for the enfranchisement of women.

- PETITIONS.
Earl NELSON presented a petition from Chard, in
Sonaersetshire, against Papal aggrt ssion.
Their Lordships then adjourned.

HOUSE OF CO lIMONS, Feb 13.
The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
SECOND READINGS.
The Birmingham Improvement Bill was read a second

On the motion for reading the South Staffordshire
Railway (Extension to Burton-on-Trent) Bill,
Mr. LABOUCHERE objected to the second reading
of the Bill, as containing powers which he thought
ought not to be given to any company. He would nut,
however, divide the House at present, but content him-
self with watching its progrt•ss that its provisions might
be modified.

Mr. HOME had not read the Bill, but after the
remarks of the Right Hon. Gentleman, he thought the
second reading ought to be postponed, that Members
might make themselves acquainted with it.
After some discussion the Bill was ordered to be read
a second time this day week.
The Victoria (Ftedcar) Harbour and Docks Bill was
read a second time.

PETITIONS.
Mr. Alderman COPELAND presented a petition from
Staffordshire praying for the repeal of the window-duty.
Sir J. Y. BULLER presented a petition from Devon-
shire to a similar effect.
Similar petitions were presented from St. James's,
Westminster, by Mr. V. Smith; from Birmingham, by
Mr. DI untz; from a place in Cornwall, by Sir James
Duke; from Finsbury, by Mr. T. Williams.
Mr. DUNCAN presented a petition from Aberdeen
against the slave-trade.
Mr. MUNDY presented a petition from South Derby-
shire against Papal aggression.
A great number of petitions were presented from va-
rious places.
Mr. WAWN presented a petition from South Shields,
against the Mercantile Marine Bill.
Mr. BENETT presented a petition from a place in
Norfolk, complaining af agricultural distress.
Mr. B. SMITH presented a petition from the Town
Council of Birmingham praying for an alteration of the
income-tax.
Mr. COWAN presented a petition to the same effect
from Musselbargh.
Mr. SCHOLEFIELD presented a petition from Bir-
mingham praying for a repeal of the paper duty.
Mr. FELLOWES presented a petition from Hun-.
tingdon complainieg of agricultural distress.
Mr. PORTAL presented a petition praying for the
establishment of county financial boards.
Colonel CHATTERTON presented a petition from a
place in Ireland complaining of agricultural distress.
PAPAL AGGRESSION.
Petitions were presented by Sir G. GREY and several
other:Membere, against Papal aggression.
SIR JAMES BROOKE AND BORNEO.
Mr. HUME gave notice that on this day fortnight
he should put a question to her Majesty's Ministers,
as to whether any measures had been taken
for ascertaining the causes which had led to the con-
flicts on the coast of Borneo. He found by the returns
made by Sir James, that upwards of five hundred men
had been killed in those conflicts, and he could not per-
ceive that there was any cause whatever for this sacri-
fice of life. He should therefore move an address to the
Queen, praying for an inquiry into Sir James's conduct.
ENCUMBERED ESTATES (IRELAND) BILL.
Mr. M'CULLAGH gave notice that he should on an
early day cell the attention of the House to the opera-
tion of the Encumbered Estates Bill.
BARHAM POOR-LAW UNION.
Mr. G. BANKES wished to ask the Hon. and
Learned Member who' presided over the Poor-law
Commissioners whether he had received any communi-
cation whatever respecting a riot which had occurred at
the Barham Union;Workhouse in Dorsetshire.
Mr. BAINES .aid that he certainly had received some
information respecting a riot which had occured in the
Barham Union Workhouse on Sunday night last, when
the number of the inmates was unusually great. The
rioters were in possession of the union-house for nearly
five hours. It was also true that the military bad been
called out, but what loss of life or what injury had re-
sulted irom their interference he did not know.
Mr. G. BANKES wished to know whether there were
not means for the suppression of these disorders, and for
securing those by whom they were principally excited.
Mr. BAINES said that the district, of which the union
house was the centre, extended to a radius of five miles
round it, and he bad ascertained that the parties who
were the ringleaders in this outbreak were the same as
had occasioned it during last year.
In reply to another question,
Mr. BAINES gave the number of the paupers at
different times, and stated that 78 bad been admitted to
the house on the afternoon of Saturday previous ti the
outbreak on the Sunday.
WORKING OF THE POOR-L IW.
Lord JOHN MANNERS wished to risk the Hon. and
Learned Member whether he had instituted any in-
quiries into the state of destitution which prevailed at
Carlisle.
Mr. BAINES said that he had, and had taken means
to rectify the evil.
Mr. WAK LEY wished to ask the Hon. and Loaned
Member whether be had any objection to lay upon the
table the dietary bill for the paupers in Barham Union
Workhouse?
Mr. BAINES—None at all.
COURT OF CHANCERY.
Mr. J. STUART wished to ask Lord John Russell
whether her Majesty's Government intended to bring in,
without delay, a Bill to authorize the appointment of
a Vice-Chancellor in the room of Sir James Wigram
who had resigned ; and whether the Noble Lord was
aware of the enormous expense and distress to suitors
for justice in the Court of Chancery, whose comelainis
were now stsnding for hearing from the want of a com-
petent judge to discharge the judicial duties heretotore
discharged by Sir James VVigram?
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said he stated last year that
it was not the intention of Government to nominate a
second Vice-Chancellor in the event of one of the two
offices becoming vacant. He also stated towards the
close of last session that it was the intention of the
Government to propose a measure for regulating the
business of the Court of Chancery, and he had now to
add that it was his intention shortly to introduce that
measure.—(Hear, hear.). A good deal of additional
business had recently been thrown upon the Court of
Chancery by maiden Acts of Parliament, and
therefore, when he introduced this measure he would
state to the House the reasons why he thought it was
necessary to appoint a second Vice-Chancellor.—(Hear.)
RATE IN AID.
Colonel DUNNE wished to ask the Secretary for
Ireland whether the returns (required by the Act 12 and
13 Vic., chap. 24) detailing the receipts and expenditure
of the rate in aid in Ireland, had been laid on the
table of the House, this being the tenth day from the
meeting of Parliament.
Sir W. SOMERVILLE said the return had not ar-
rived yet, but he expected it by every post. Directly it
reached his hands he would lay it on the table.
COURTS OF LAW IN IRELAND.
; Mr. WCULLAGEI said considerable excitement had
been created in Ireland by a statement which had got
abroad, that it was the intention of Government to sup-
press some of the courts of law in Dublin. Now, such
a proceeding would be unjustifiable; but if it were to
take place, it was desirable that it should be made known
when this system of centralisation and abolition was to
commence.—(Hear, hear.)
Lord J. RUSSELL rose to order. The Hon. and
Learned Member had given notice of his intention to
put a question, but now he was going into a long state-
ment, with the view of casting iroputations on the Go-
vernment. Now, he submitted that such a mode of pre.
ceeding was wholly out of order.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. AMU LLAGH had made no imputations against
the Government. He had simpl made a statement of
facts.—(Cris s of" Orrle , order.') Well, then, what he
wished to ask this Attorney-General for Ireland was,
whether it was the intention of Government to intro-
duce any measure during the present ar scion for the
purpose of abolkhing the office mutter in any and
which of the superior couris of Jew io Ir. hied.
Mr. HATO:JELL lied to state that it was not th
intention of Government to introduce a,oy mi-asure dur-
ing the present session for ate lishing the thee ie weeter
in any of the court, of law.—(Heir. h; ere)

After several other remarks by Mr. CAYLEIT, M.P.,
and other gentlemen, all beaiing on the points previously
mooted, a resolution was put, the effect of which was,
that in the event of the Eastern Counties Company and
the Norfolk Company coming to a similar decision, the
directors of this company should be empowered, under
proper legal advice, to enter into an amalgamation with
those companies. It was carried unanimously, and
thanks having been given to the chairman and directors,
the meeting was dissolved.

, •
WOODS AND. FORESTS.
Viiieount DUNCAN wished to 11( Lord Jill, Rusrll
Whether it was the insenti,n of the G v,rument 'o
bring in.a Bill this pession to make he, ti-r provision for
the management .of the wo, tor, >l a. anti Jai dri vetoes
! of the Crown, and for the dtriwi,in of public works ai d
buildings?
Lord J. RUSSELL was understood to reply in the.
affirmative His Noble Fri,nd a, the head of Um Woods
Flrebt.. had the autject 11,1(4,, ditcwsiien, LILA; on
dot,.ht he would be Carly Prepared .with such a nit..vuie
as .at sugg
est.'d by the‘ Noble' Lord.L(Hear,
.CUUR OF CHANCERY,
,•t`ri-ART gave ni*ce of his inhrntion to intro-
duce a mes 44 Mr. re fora reform in th,• Cott, t of Chancery.
A D JOU I, vN.E D DEBATE ON TILE PAVYAL
• AGGRESSION. • • -
'VII. ROCHE, - • -
'7,144 Ifiithe intended W intiVe -00 the

Ia reply to
Lord J.