The Sun.
London, England, 1856-01-24 00:00:00

WICKHAMBREUX AND lITTLEBOURNE, KENT.
_ _

TO BE SOLD by Auction, pursuant to Orders
of the High Court of Chancery, made in certain causes of

" Quested v. Michell," " Quested v. Coast," and " Quested v.Somer-
set," with the approbation of the Vice-Chancellor, Sir Richard Torin
Kindersley, the Judge to whose Court these causess are attached,
on Saturday, the 26th day of January, 1856, at Two o'clock in the
afternoon, at the Auction Mart, Saint Margaret-street, Canterbury,
by Mr. Thomas White Collard (the person appointed for that pur-
pose), the following FREEHOLD ESTATES, in 7 Lots, videlicet:—
Lot 1. A Dwelling-house called Kingsley House, and several
pieces of Garden and Arable Laud, containing about 4 a. and 13 p.,
in o, ickhanabreux aforesaid, in the occuaation of the executors of
Thomas Hatcher Ring, or their under-tenants.
Lot 2. Four Cottages called the Sandpit Cottages, in Wickham-
breux aforesaid, in the same occupation as last lot. -
Lot 3. A Dwelling-house in Littlebourne aforesaid, late in the
occupation of Mr. Hobert Raker Gosby.
Lot 4. A Dwelling-house in Littlebourne aforesaid, aijeining the
last lot, and now unoccupied.
Lot 5. A Dwellinz-house in Littlebourne aforesaid. now or late in
the occupation of James Smith.
Lot 6. A Dwelling-house in Littlebourne aforesaid, adjoining the
last lot, and now or late in the occupation of John Tarvest.
Lot 7. Buildings, comprising a Carpenter's Shop, Painter's Shop,
Blacksmith's Forge and Shop, and other Buildings, with the premises
thereto belonging, in Littlebourne aforesaid, and now or late in the
occupation of Messrs. Tarvest and. Sisley William Smith and
Foreman,

Printed particulars and conditions of sale may be had (gratis) in
London, of Messrs. Kingsford an•t Dorman, solicitors, 23, Essex-
street, Strand; and Mr. A. K. Cocker, solicitor, 23, Gower-street,
Bedford-square ; and in the country, of Messrs. Kingston' and Wigh-
wick, solicitors, Canterbury ; and of the Auctioneer.
th D ecember,,lBss.

~~~

dlerk.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' ASSOCIATION.

On Monday evening the 15th annual meeting of the
members of this association was held at the London
Tavern ; R. H. Jones, Esq., in the chair.
The SECRETARY (Hr. W. T. Linford) having read the
notice convening the meeting, then read the following
report relative to the Life Assurance Department of the
Association :
" The Board of Management beg to present to the mem-
bers of the Life Assurance Department their 15th annual
report, and in doing so they have again to express their
gratification at the continued prosperity of the association.
" During the past year 5:30 proposals have been recei 'Ted
for a total amount of 100,8001., of which-
-424 have been completed for 282,'50
10 have boon declined for 3,300
96 have been deferred or withdrawn, or
are waiting completion, for...
" The annual income arising from new assurers during
the year 1855 is 2,1891.
" The board in taking int* account the various circum-
stances of the times, and the peculiar severity with which
the pressure has fallen upon that class by whom this asso-
ciation has hitherto been chiefly supported, feel that the
amount of business done during the past year is quite
equal to what could reasonably have been expected, and
it is a source of no slight satisfaction to the managers that
in the midst of many adverse circumstances, and sur-
rounded by keen competition, the Peevident Clerks' Asso-
ciation has steadily maintained IP respectable position
among the insurance offices, and has issued policies amount-
ing to very nearly a million sterling.
"37 policies issued on 28 lives, and amounting with
bonuses to 10,7511. 25., have become claims during the
past year, making a total of 41,2481. paid to the represen-
tatives of deceased members since the commencement of
the association.
" The balance in favour of the association is now 70,0001.,
which is advantageously invested.
" Looking to the great and increasing competition which
exists among life assurance ocfices, the attention of the
board has been actively directed towards the further ex-
tension of the system of agencies in connection with this
association.
" In their last report the board adverted to certain
changes in the rules, which were rendered necessary by
the passing of tho Act known as the " Friendly Societies
Discharge Act." These alterations have, however, been
delayed, from an anxiety on the part of the board to con-
eider the subject of the rules as a whole, with a view to
the suggestion of such amendments as might be usefully
adopted, and also by the legal measures affecting assurance
offices which have been before Parliament.
"The balance-sheet, having been duly audited, has been
submitted to the trustees, who have expressed their grati-
fication at the satisfactory position of the association.
" The following managers retire by rotation, but, being
eligible, offer themselves for re-election :—Mr. Edward
Coleman, Mr. Henry Rogers, Mr. John White Welch, Mr.
Sancton Wood.
" The following gentlemen, duly qualified, have been
proposed, in aocordance with rule 14, as auditors for the
ensuing year :—Mr. J. R. Lloyd, Mr. F. F. Toole, Mr. C.
Woolley.
" In concluding their report, the board beg to call the
attention of the general public to the advantages offered
by the Provident Clerks' Association as a mutual life as-
surance
office for all classes ; while to the clerks especially
they would earnestly point out the strong claim it has upon
their support.
"During the past year the attention of principals has
been directed to the advantages that must accrue from the
adoption of provident habits by those in their employ.
There is reason to believe that the subject has awakened a
considerable degree of attention, and the board venture to
hope that the day is not far distant when every clerk will
be induced to make that provision for his family which
life assurance offers, and the neglect of which is so often
the cause of self-reproach on the one hand and of distress
and privation on the other.
(Signed) " RICHARD HENRY JONES, Chairman."
The CHAIRMAN said it was with unfeigned pleasure
that he for the 15th time presented himself before the
meeting, and trusted he should obtain that kind for-
bearance for any defects on his part that they had ex-
tended to him on all former occasions. (Hear.) The
report they had just heard read informed them that the
business of the association for the past year had not been
so successful as that of the preceding one, but which
might be accounted for from the continuance of the war,'
whioh enhanced the price of provisions and other things,
and which there could be no doubt had prevented
assurance
Nede
officesm hadany
from joining the association, who otherwise mightr
werehave
theydone e
sioeghualdaritinbetehnisi,nbteheaeiursepoewtheerr. (Hear.)
been similarly affected, not one of them, be believed,
having this year reached the amount of business done
by them in former years. He, however, hoped that
with the coming peace a change would take place,
and that they would derive a corresponding benefit from
it in an increase of policies. (Hear.) They had this year
had a greater number of deaths amongst the members than
usual, which was a matter over which they could have no
control. The directors took every precaution possible,
and so did their medical officers, to insure good lives ;
but these were events that must happen, and they must
expect that, as they increased in the number of their
members, so would annually increase the amount of
deaths. From the report it would appear as if a large
sum was now due to the association from the country
agents, but he was happy to state that it had all been
paid to 31st Dec., the time up to which the accounts
were made up. (Hear.) There was an item in the ac-
counts of about 951., incurred in obtaining the passing
of the Friendly Societies' Discharge Act, and they would

that night with reference to the benevolent department,
should they conclude the business of the assurance de-
partment in time for him to do so. (Hear.) In referring to
the progress of the association he (the Chairman) wished
he could see more generally adopted what had in some
instances been done—that of principals insuring the
lives of their clerks. (Hear, hear.) He felt certain
it would be a source of great gratification to
principals themselves were they to adopt it, because
they would be able to feel sure they had contributed to-
wards providing for the wives and families of those who
for many years had faithfully served them, when removed
from the scenes of their labours by the hand of death.
(Hear.) He was much delighted to find it had been done
in several instances, and that that feeling was gaining
ground amongst principals, and he trusted that at their
next meeting he should be able to inform them that the
number who had done so had greatly increased. (Hear.)
In speaking of what should be done by principals, they
must not, however, forget there was also something to be
done by the clerks towards promoting the success of the
association. To those who had not yet availed themselves
of its benefits and advautages they should apply and induce
them to join it. The clerks of this country formed a
large body of highly respectable and intelligent men, and
were every member to set himself diligently to work
amongst his friends he felt certain the latter would see
the necessity of joining the association, and thereby
make provision for their wives and families, and were
they each to bring but one member the present number
of 4,000 members might speedily and easily be doubled.
By so doing they would be benefitting themselves by in-
creasing the strength of the association. Surely they
must feel a desire to do it, and be had no doubt but that
they would do it, because however much the directors

might and did labour most assiduously and earnestly
to promote the progress of the association, they
must see that the directors must look beyond the
board for that help necessary to make the aNso-
ciation a strong and excellent one. (Hear, hear.) It
possessed all the materials within itself to become a

great, excellent, and flourishing association, and it only
required a little exertion on their part to accomplish
their object. (Hear, hear.) During the past year, the
directors had circulated upwards of 20,000 circula-s,
making known the advantages of the society to those
who joined it, feeling satisfied that the more it became
known the more it would be appreciated by the public.
(Hear.) In the present year 25 policies for 4,4501. had

already been effected—(cheers)----and there was every '
prospect of their increasing that amount considerably,
now there was a possibility of peace being restored, and
the cost of provisions being reduced. He was
aware that at present there were persons who
were desirous of availing themselves of membership,
but could not do it, from the item of the cost
of the year's insurance being a considerable sum to be
taken from their yearly income. Having belonged to the
association from its commencement, he hoped every one
would believe him when he said that it gave him no
small amount of gratification to find that they had issued
nearly 5,000 policies, representing nearly a million of mo-
ney. (Hear.) They had increased their annual income from
4781. to 24,0001., so that they had got over their diffi-
culties and the worst period of their career. (Hear.)
There was every prospect, by united exertions, of making
a striking improvement in their success ; and he knew
of no better way than he bad already pointed out to
them. He moved the acceptance and adoption of the
report, and that it be printed and circulated. (Cheers.)

Mr. KINTREA called attention to one or two items in
the account relative to the old and new premises of the
association in Moorgate-street, and to what he charac-
terised as the small amount of business transacted the
past year by the society, and the bad management of the
directors. He compared the amount of business done
by this association with others of more recent date.
Mr. MINTON, in addressing the meeting, said he
should like to see the principals of some of the drapery
trade in the direction, because they were large employers
of clerks, from whose counting-houses numbers of mem-
bers might. be obtained, and suggested that the clerks in
these e'tablishments should be canvassed to join the as-
sociation. He asked them not to re-elect the present
retiring directors, but take fresh men, because they
were not the right men in the right places.
Mr. BELL said he thought the reason of their not
having made so much progress as some gentlemen ap-
peared to wish, arose, not from any want of energy on
the part of the directors, but from the name of the asso-
ciation, which indicated a class interest, and urged on
them the desireableness of altering the name, whereby
they would increase their business with the general
public, and instanced the following associations that had
been obliged to alter their names from a similar defect.
First, there was the Dissenters' Association, formed
upon a much wider basis than their own, but they
were unable to do a sufficient amount of business
until the name was cbanged,to the " General." Then
there was the Licensed Victuallers' Association that had
to be altered to the "Monarch," and the Architect and
Engineers that had to be changed to the "British."
He should be glad to see gentlemen from the drapery
trade associated with them as well as gentlemen from
any other class, but he was afraid that so long as they
' led the people to believe that this, by its name, was only
an association for the benefit of the clerks of London,
and the country generally, they would be doing them-
selves an injustice and great injury. Some years since
it was rumoured that it was the intention of the direc-
tors to change its name. He should be glad to know if
they now entertained that opinion. He was, however,
disposed to re-elect the retiring directors, and impress
upon them, and the other members of the board, the
necessity of their falling in with his views.
The CHAIRMAN said he could not give the last speaker
the information he required. When the new rules were
under consideration by the members it would be com-
petent for them then to consider the suggestion just
made.

Ur. LLOYD (an auditor) said he thought the other
assurance offices had behaved very unhandsomely to them
in leaving them to pay the whole of the expenses
with reference to the Friendly Societies Discharge Act.
They had derived a benefit from it in conjunction with
this office, and it was only fair they should bear their
proportion of the expenses. (Hear.) Reference had
been made to the great amount of business that had
been done by other offices, but he had no hesitation in
stating that 9 out of 10 of these new societies had
proved, or were proving, themselves no other than
bubble societies. (Hear.) The Provident Clerks'
Society was, however, one of great stability, and he
asked them where they would find another of the same
age that had received, during the year, 18,099/. far re-
newals or policies. They had also a surplus on the
year of 7,000/. over and above all their liabilities.
(Hear.) It was all very well to talk about class so-
cieties, but where would they find another that was
doing better, if so well as they were, and he hoped they
would ever remain what they now were—" Provident
Clerks."

Mr. AVAilividiz said he was glad to hear the tone
adopted by the last speakers, as it was certainly more
discreet than that of the previous ones. Last year they
had nothing put before them but congratulations, and
indeed everything was satisfaction. (Mr. Kintrea
here rose, but was net by the cries of " Spoke,"
" Chair," amidst which he resumed his seat.) And al-
though everything was not now to the satisfaction of
some gentlemen, he believed it was a matter of con-
gratulation to the great body of the meeting that things
were no worse. They had been told that the business
that had been secured by this company was not so large
as that that had been obtained by other offices, but the
meeting must hear in mind that the companies that had
keen mentioned, in comparison with this, were in every
way much larger than this, and bearing that fact in mind,
he did not think they had much to complain of. Ile knew
that these old offices had suffered severely during the last
year. Objection had been taken to the premises they
at present hold, but he thought the premises were ex.
ceedingly good. They were by no means extravagant for
the purposes for which they were intended, and he did
hope that no attempt would be made to get rid of them.
Something had been said about the exertions of the
directors, but it must be remembered that last year they
had received the thanks of the meeting for their services;
and, he must bay, he thought they had done their duty

The proposition was carried unanimously, and amidst
much cheering.
•
Mr. KINTRRA now moved the resolution given above.
Mr. LLOYD moved as an amendment to the proposition
of Mr. Kintrea, that all the words after the word "so-
ciety" be omitted. He thought the proper time for such
a proceeding as that implied by the resolution was when
the rules--to consider which, he believed, they would
have to meet soon—were under discussion. Ho should
like to hear soma good reason assigned why the name of
the a-somation should be altered, as he bad yet to learn
the desirability of such a proceeding. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. WARWICK said he thought the best course to
pursue was to leave the suggestion in the hands of the
committee, as he was sure it would receive their best
consideration.

The CHAIRMAN then put the resolution to the meeting,
when only 17 hands were held up in its favour. The mo-
tion was consequently lost.
The CHAIRMAN said their next business was to elect
four gentlemen to fill the places of those gentlemen who
retire by rotation. The names of the retiring members
of the board of management were Messrs. E. Coleman,
H. Rogers, J. W. Welch, and Sancton Wood. Those
gentlemen were eligible for re-election, and they offered
themselves accordingly.
The re-election of the above-named gentlemen to the
board having been moved and seconded, their names
were severally put to the meeting, when on Mr. Cole-
man's name being announced, one Laud _was held up
against his re-election, two against Mr. Rogers, two
against Mr. Welch, and one against Mr. S. Wood.
The CHAIRMAN then declared the four gentlemen whose
names they had just heard duly elected.
Mr. WEnca, in returning thanks for the honour done
him, in re-electing him a director, said an attack had
'aeen made on the retiring direction for want of energy.
(No, no.) He repeated that they had been charged
with want of energy in not doing what they ought to
have done ; and as,that charge had been made against
them, it became his duty to reply to it. He had been a
member of the association almost from its foundation,
and he could fearlessly state that from that time to, the
present he had zealously and faithfully exerted himself
to the best of his ability to bring business to the associa-
tion—(applause)—and he could look round the room and
find proof of what he had done. One of the speakers had
made a charge against the directors that they did not go
round to the wholesale drapery houses and canvass them
for members. Within the last week he had
' in the course of his business been led into many large
houses of business, and he bad gone there provided
with books and prospectuses of the association, which
he had presented to the various persons he had met
there, and advised them to become members. (Hear.)
-He hail never :o ',:....uPportunity either out of doors er
at the board of working zealously for them, but if it
was thought desirable that a younger man should take
his place ho was ready to retire and make room for him
—(cries of " No, no")—but so long, however, as be oc-
cupied the position of director at that board he assured
them he would do the utmost in his power to serve their
interest.. Whether sick or whether well—whether pre-
sent or whether absent, as was the case last year, his
thoughts were with the association and how he could
best promote its interest and success. (Applause.)
Whilst some of the members were looking at the asso-
ciation from a melancholy point of view, be was glad
to find others took a different and more pleasing one,
and instead of taking one year on which to found their
remarks they should look at the association's progress
in a commercial point of view by taking an average of
years. In the first five years of their existence they
had effected 578 policies, representing 90,3201., and had
property to' the amount of 6,600/. In the second five
years they had effected 2,198 policies, representing
432,7761., and property to the amount of 29,1581., and
in the third five years they had effected 2,282 policies,
representing 434,720/., and their property bad increased
to 70,123/. (Applause.) Was that, he asked, doing
nothing ? Was not that a satisfactory statement ?
(Hear.) He maintained that the association was
in a perfectly sound and healthy state, and that
the directors had discharged their duties faithfully,
but the great majority of the clerks bad nob supported
them as they ought to have done. The directors felt, as
he did, that the great body of clerks of this country
ought to support the association. All they wanted was
unanimity and exertion and that they should feel that
they were all partners in the undertaking, and for each
to feel an interest in, and never lose an opportunity of
bringing business to, it. (Hear.) It was a source of
gratification to him to knowthe progress they had made
and to find the prospects they had before therm. They
should remember that it was a work of time to establish
confidence. They had now established that confidence,
and if the clerks would but support them, he engaged
that the board would do everything in their power, as
they had hitherto done, to promote the prosperity of
this most excellent association. (Applause.) Some re-
marks had been made about the other offices not paying
their share of the 95/. expenses that bad been incurred,
and he must say he thought it unfair that they should
be called on to pay the whole amount, because he fully
believed those offices bad reaped an advantage equally
with themselves. The refusal, however, might be viewed
in another light, that those offices considered the Pro-
vident Clerks' Association, from its favourable position,
as well able to pay as themselves. (Hear.)
The CHAIRMAN then moved the following resolution:—
"That Mr. James Richard Lloyd, Mr. Francis Fre-
derick Toole, and Mr. Charles Woolley be elected audi-
tors."

The motion having been seconded, it was put to the
meeting' from the chair and carried unanimously.
Mr. BELL moved that the sum to be presented to the
auditors this year be the same as last, namely twenty
guineas.
A member begged leave to second the proposition of
Mr. Bell.
The CHAIRMAN' then put the resolution to the meeting,
and it was carried unanimously.
Mr. LLOYD, on the part of the auditors, returned
thanks, and in doing so assured the meeting that the
accounts would always be thoroughly scrutinised, and
before putting their names to any doubtful documents,
the sense of a meeting of assurers would always be de-
manded by the auditors.
Mr. WARWICK. said the resolution which he had now
to move was to the following effect :
" That the cordial thanks of this meeting
to the board of management for their valu abbieeparensdenotffie d.
cient services during the past year and the sum of 700/.
be awarded them as remuneration."
He submitted this motion to them with the greatest
confidence, in the full assurance that it would be unani-
mouslyerried pleasure.
n( Ls
eocundn
dc
nege rs.
)
and euthusiasto.icarelalty
the re-
Mr. BELL had very '
solution. He did so, feeling well assured that the board
of management well deserved the confidence of the
meeting, and that they richly deserved every farthing of
the sum proposed to be presented to them. (Cheers.)
The CrIAIRMAN proceeded to put the resolution to the
meeting, and it was carried amidst loud cheers.
Mr. TOOLE said at their meeting last year he threw
out a suggestion that he thought well deserving the at-
tention of the board of management, namely, the desira-
bility of holding a large public meeting at the west end
of the town, and now, if they wished to increase their
business, he thought the holding of such a meet-
ing as he proposed would be attended with the
utmost success, and also be of great service
to them. For reasons which he could not understand
the weit end of the town had been entirely passed by.
They had hadtmeetings in all the other parts of the town,
yet why the lbcality he had mentioned should have been
passed over he was at a loss to conceive. No doubt
they had now accommodation for the transacting of a
large increase of business, and by adopting the course he
proposed he thought it could be obtained. If it was de.
termined to hold the meeting, and the intention to do
so were well advertised and placarded, he had not the
slightest doubt but that it would prove highly success-
! fur. He begged, therefore, to move the following reso-
lution :
" That this meeting bog the managers to take into their
consideration the expediency of calling a public meeting
(wediTard of the City) for the purpose of explsisiAg the