The Sun.
London, England, 1869-01-04 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN ASYLUMS BOARD.

On Saturday the managers of the Metropolitan
Asylums District met at the board-room of the
Metropolitan Board of Works, Spring-gardens ; Dr.
Brewer, M.P., in the chair.
Mr. WYATT, J.P., said that very inaccurate
statements had been made as to the expenses
incurred by the managers in carrying out the
duties for which they were appointed, and the
public had been led to attribute the increase of
the poor-rates to that board. As the impu-
tation was altogether unfounded, it would be
advisable to place on record the expenses
actually incurred. He would, therefore, move—
" That as in consequence of the greatly exaggerated
statements which have appeared in several of the
public journals there exists in the public mind a
false impression as to the proposed expenditure of
' the board in the erection of asylums and hospitals, .
the finance committee be requested to obtain de-
tailed
information from the several committees of
the estimated cost of each building, and report the
same for the information of the managers, together
with a statement showing the rate in the pound that
will require to be levied during the next thirty
years, for the purpose of repaying the moneys
borrowed, or to be borrowed, with the interest
thereon."
_ Mr. BIRT seconded the motion.
A MANAGER drew attention to the fact that the
resolution referred only to the cost of " buildings."
Such a return would be deceptive unless the cost
of the land to put the buildings on was also
stated.

Sir JAMES HAMILTON wished that Mr. Wyatt had
asked for the return for the information of the public
as well as the managers.
Mr. CIIARRINGTON—Let us see what sort of re-
port it is before we show it to the public. (Laugh-
ter.)

Mr. PROUtTOOT (chairman of the finance com-
mittee) was afraid so much pressure had been put
on Mr. %Vyatt in St. Pancras that he had lost his
usual discretion. It was surprising that such a
step should have been taken merely because some
idle rumours were fib ►ting about the streets of Lon-
don. Was it likely that the public did not know
to a shilling what they were spending? He would
advise them not tc, step out of strict duty, for if
they did they would regret it. At the commence-
ment of the existence of the board it was thought
that it would be advisable to let the ratepayers
know what would be required, and all the difficul-
ties he got into through doing that bad read him a
lesson.

Mr. FURNESS remarked that if Mr. Wyatt's esti-
mate that a rate of five-eighths of a penny would
be sufficient, that would come to £2,500 in St.
Pancras, and would then only pay for the buildings
and not for the land.

Mr. MoisruoE said the fever and smallpox hospi-
tals would cost over £44,000 for building and fit-
ting. The Caterham and Leavesdeu Asylums were
absolutely necessary, but it was entirely different
with respect to the hospitals, and a halfpenny rate
would be required for them alone. The matter was
of such importance that he would move for the ap-
pointment of a special committee to inquire into it.
The amendment was not seconded.
Mr. BRUSIIFIELD thought the public ought to feel
satisfied as to their expenditure.

Mr. SYMONS said the ratepayers thought they
would have to pay a rate of 4d. or 5d., whereas II of
a penny would be sufficient.

Mr. GALSWORTHY characterised the discussion as
a waste of time. Why not supply the return ?
Mr. TAVENER thought they had better bear with
the rumours for a awhile, and he was opposed to
any report being made yet, as it could only be a
conjectural one.

Mr. DALE thought they should leave it to the
Poor-law Board to satisfy the public.
Mr. HARVEY said they had done wisely and well,
and need do nothing more than that to gain the
approbation of the ratepayers.
After sotne further discussion the resolution was
adopted, and the board at (-nee adjourned.

The Earl and Countess of Derby will receive
company at Knowsley from the Bth to the 17th inst. It
will afford his lordship's friends some satisfaction to learn
that the noble earl is in better health than he has been for
some time past.

THE A RCHBISIIOP OF CANTERBURY.—The enthron-
isation of the new Primate is fixed for the 4th of Febru-
ary, in Canterbury Cathedral. The announcement which
appeared iu an evening contemporary that the ceremony
was fixed for the 28th inst. was incorrect.
MOTION FOR THE ABOLITION OF CAPITAL
PuxisintENT.—At the opening of the Parliamentary ses-
sion, Mr. Charles Gilpin will give notice of a motion for
the abolition of capital punishment. It is understood that
many of the old and new members are desirous of having
the subject afresh discussed in the Legislature. Although
Mr. Gilpin will on this occasion be precluded from having
the assistance of his friend, the veteran abolitionist, Mr.
William Ewart (late M.P. for Dumfries) or that of Messrs.
Charles Neate, John Fildes, and other members of the
former house, he will find amongst the newly-elected re-
presentatives some very decided opponents of the gallows,
amongst whom may bo mentioned Messrs. Samuel Morley
and Henry Richard. Most of the supporters of abolition
in the late Parliament are again returned, including the
Right Hon. John Bright, Hon. George Denman, Messrs
G. Hadfield, W. T. Mitford, G. O. Trevelyan, J. Pim,
M'Laren, W. T. M. Torrens, A. Lusk, T. B. Potter, J. B•
Smith, 11. Fawcett, Jacob Bright, J. Platt, J. W. Pease,
J. White, &c.

THE SALE OF THE LATE MARQUIS OF HASTINGS'S
LIBRARY.—This important sale was brought to a close oa
Friday evening, the gross amount realised being £5,286
4s. The wines were sold on Saturday, and made about
; only medium pricos were obtained, the highest
being XI Bs. per dozen for port of 1,818 vintage. Total
proceds of the sale, £6,118.

The Conference of Paris upon the differences be-
moon Turkey and Greece will assemble on the 9th inst.
f uo nufcrese, n ob.A;tele arises.

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