The Sun.
London, England, 1851-03-12 00:00:00

BORNEO AND SIR J. BROOKE.

Mr. HUME gave notice that he should, on this day
fortnight, bring the subject of the transactions relating
to Borneo under the consideration of the House, and
move for an inquiry into those transactions, during
which more than a thousand people bad been killed by
persons engaged in her Majesty's service.
COUNTY FINANCIAL BOARDS.

Sir GEORGE GREY presented a petition from the
ratepayers of Northumberland praying for the formation
of county financial boards.
RAMSGATE HARBOUR.

Mr. MOFFATT wished to ask the First Lord of the
Admiralty, whether it is the intention of Government to
adopt the recommendation of the Select Committee of
last session on Ramsgate and Margate Harbours in re-
gard to the abolition of dues or tolls now exacted from
vessels not actually entering the harbour of Ramsgate.
Sir F. BARING said the Government had no control
over these dues, and any alteration in them must be
made either by the Commissioners or the House of
Commons. He had, however, directed information to be
collected on the subject, and so soon as he obtained that
information he should be prepared to give the Hon.
Gentleman a more satisfactory answer.
INDIAN ARMY.
Mr. EWART wished to inquire of the Secretary of
the Board of Control whether any system of examina-
tion, or test of fitness, on the appointment and promo-
tion of officers in the Indian army has been adopted, or
is contemplated, in conformity with the system of ex-
amination of officers now adopted in the British army;
and whether the subjeots of such examination will be
laid before the House?
Mr. WILSON said cadets had always been subject to
an examination before they were admitted into the ser-
vice, and within the last three months a similar, or
rather, a stronger test had been applied to officers of
every description before they were promoted. If the
Hon. Gentleman would move for a copy of the minute
appointing that test, there would be no objection to pro-
duce it.

METROPOLITAN BUILDINGS ACT.
Mr. LUSHINGTON said the Metropolitan Buildings
Bill stood for the second reading to-night, and as his con-
stituents were anxious that it should not be hastily dig-
cussed, he hoped it would not be brought on at a late
hour to-night.
Lord SEYMOUR was understood to reply that it
would not be brought on to-night.
POOR-RATES AND LAW OF SETTLEMENT.
Alderman SIDNEY wished, to ask the President of
the Poor-law Board when he would be prepared to lay
his Bill on the table relating to the more equal assess-
ment of the rates for the poor, and also to the law of
settlement ?
Mr. BAINES said ho could not give a direct reply
to the lion. Member in the present state of public
business, but be would have no objection to state at the
earliest possible opportunity when he would bring in the
Bill.

INTERMENTS BILL.
Mr. MOWATT wished to know from the Secretary of
State for the Home Department when the Board of Health
were likely to carry into effect the provisions of the Act
for the prevention of interments in the metropolis?
Sir G. GREY said the lion. Member would be aware
that in making a change of that important nature a great
many preliminary arrangements had to be made. The
Board of Health had entered into negotiations with the
existing cemetery companies for the purpose of facilitat-
ing the carrying out of the Act, and ho was not sure
they were actually closed; but ho feared they were not
likely to terminate satisfactorily. The consequence
would be that the Board would have to avail themselves
of the powers given to them under the Act for obtaining
possession of existing cemetery companies. Every ex-
ertion would be made by the Board to bring the Act into
operation at the earliest possible opportunity.
MISMANAGEMENT OF THE WOODS AND
FORESTS. _

the gross income derived from
Lord DUNCAN rose to move the following resolu-
tion:—" Whereas it appears by returns laid before this
House, and before the Select Committee of Woods,
(Ffroorearastsl,BW42o.3rktos, &18e4.,8t219a): during a period of seven years