The Sun.
London, England, 1835-10-08 00:00:00

NEW POOR LAW AMENDMENT ACT.

ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELDS.
PRODUCTION OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE BOARD OF
GUARDIANS.

Last evening the members of the Parochial Society of
this parish assembled at the Two Angels and Crown Ta-
vern, Upper St. Martin's-lane. The room was crowded to
excess.
On the motion of Mr. EVANS,

Mr. WEBB, of the Strand, was called on to preside, and
on his taking the Chair, he briefly opened the business of
the evening by desiring Mr. Stroud, the secretary, to read
the minutes of the former meeting, which were confirmed.
Mr. Churchwarden SIMPSON then rose, and after alluding
to the opposition which he had made to the introduction of
the above Act into this parish, proceeded to state that part
of the business of the next meeting of rate-payers in the
vestry would be to receive the quarterly accounts of the
gentlemen appointed as guardians under the New Poor
Law Amendment Act. He would contend that what-
ever reform might have taken place in this parish had
been effected by the Board of overseers prior to this Act
coming into operation. They were then proceeding in
a similar manner to what the Board of guardians were
at the present time. After complimenting the pa-
rishioners on the choice they bad made in the election
of the major part of those gentlemen who form the
Board, be stated that they in many instances had departed
from the above Act in affording relief to the distressed per-
sons not exactly paupers, of whom,he lamented to say, there
were not a few. They had, however, been active in ex-
pelling the idle and worthless paupers who had for so many
years been a burden upon the parish, and by that means
had effected an immense saving in the parochial expendi-
ture ; consequently, a great reduction had taken place in
the rates, and still greater reductions would follow. He
would assert that those reforms were not effected through
the instrumentality of the Poor Law Act, as he had stated
before, for at the time the precept arrived from the Poor
Law Commissioners the overseers were acting on all the
economical rules and regulations laid down by those gentle-
men ; consequently there was not that credit duo to them
which had been claimed on the score of the salutary effects
which were said to have arisen from their orders. He was
happy to say that nearly all the present overseers formed
part of the Board, which gave them the opportunity of
watching over the interests of their fellow-parishioners.
Mr. Simpson, after narrating to the meeting the other
matters of business contained in the notice of vestry, con-
cludeo by remarking that the question as to the production
of thsilaccounts of the Board of Guardians was one of the
greatest importance.
A MEMBER wished to be informed by the Chairman, whe-

ther the Board were bound, by the Act of Parliament, to
lay their accounts quarterly before the parishioners in vestry
assembled.

The CHAIRMAN, in reply to the Member's question, said
that he was one of the guardians, and he could assure the
gentleman that they were not bound by the Statute to pro-
duce their accounts until they were out of office.
Mr. SIMPSON remarked that the overseers were com-
pelled to show their accounts, but those of the guardians
were the most important, as they contained the largest items.
Several gentlemen here expressed their opinions on the
subject before the meeting. Great difference appeared to
exist amongst them.

The CHAIR.MHN also considered the question to be of
the utmost importance to every rate-payer of a parish
where the Act was in operation, and for the purpo3e of
settling the point at issue as to the legality, he would read
an extract of the 47th clause, which enacts, " that every
overseer, treasurer, or other person having the collection,
receipt, or distribution of the monies assessed for the relief
of the poor in any parish or union, or who are accountable
for any balance, or sum of money, or books, deeds, papers,
goods, or chattels relating to the relief of the poor, or
the collection or distribution of the poor-rate of any
parish or union, shall once in every quarter, in addition to
the annual accounts now by law required, and where the
rules, orders, and regulations of the said Commis-
sioners shall have come in force, then as often as the said
rules, orders, and regulations shall direct, but not less than
once in every quarter, make and render to the guardians,
auditors, or such other persons as by virtue of any statute or
custom, or of the said rules, orders, and regulations, may
be appointed to exapine, allow, or disallow such accounts,
or in default of any such guardian, auditor, or other person
being so appointed as aforesaid, then to the justices of the

peace at their petty sessions for the district in which such
parish or union shall be situated, shall give a full and dis-
tinct account in writing of all money, matters, and things
committed to their charge, or received, held, or expended
by them on behalf of any such parish or union, and be
thereunto required by the justices, guardians, auditors, or
such other persons in that behalf, to verify on oath the truth
of such accounts and statements from time to time.".

Mr. SIMPSON then observed that it was quite clear from
the above clause that the Board of guardians were not
bound to produce their accounts quarterly. He consi-
sidared that there was a great deficiency in the wording
of the Act.

\Yr. WILLIAMS concurred in that opinion.
The CHAIRMAN said that the intentions of the Guar-
dians in producing their accounts at the next meeting of
the parishioners was for the purpose of satisfying the minds
of the rate-payers that the rates had not been improperly
made use of, and that there had been no illegal expen-
diture.

Mr. SIMPSON then said that if such was the fact the
conduct of the guardians was most praiseworthy.
A MEMBER here asked the reason why the parishioners
were not admitted to hear the discussions that tool:: place
at the Board ?
The CHAIRMAN replied that the commissioners had de-
cided on the exclusion of the public, but that they had in-
tended to give every publicity at the termination of their
proceedings. He did not see the necessity in this parish,
as nearly every guardian was a member of this society, and
in the event of every parishioner requiring information, he
had only to apply to any member of the Board. At present
the admission of the rate-payers would be attended with
great inconvenience, as there was not sufficient accommoda-
tion, the room where the Board sat being of small dimensions.
The conversation here dropped.
Several other gentlemen then addressed the meeting, and
after the usual vote of thanks had been given to the Chair-
man, who in a neat speech acknowledged the compliment,
and returned thanks, the meeting separated.

ALARMING FIRE AT THE PENI-
TENTIARY, MILLBANK.

Last night, a few minutes after 7 o'clock, a most alarm-
ing fire broke out at the Penitentiary, Millbank. Infor-
mation was immediately despatched to the Queen-square
police-office, and the whole of the officers of that estab-
lishment were ordered to be upon the spot well armed, to
prevent any confusion that might arise in consequence of
the number of prisoners in confinement : in addition to this,
a strong detachment of the A division of police very quickly
came up, to preserve order and render assistance. Infor-
mation of the appalling occurrence was also, with as little
delay as possible, sent to the different police-stations fo a
stronger muster of the force. Nearly the whole of ;he
engines of the various metropolitan fire-offices came in very
speedily, but their exertions were very much impeded by a
scanty supply of water. From the slight intelligence that
can at present be elicited, it appears that the fire originated
in the laundry of the establishment, and the infirmary is
threatened with destruction. The whole of the inmates of
the latter have been removed, and placed in another part of
the prison. In spite of the exertions of the firemen and
the police, who are assisting them in working the engines,
the fire is still raging, and threatens the destruction of the
greater part of the building. _ _

HALF-PAST 10 O'CLOCK.

The flames up to half-past 10 o'clock continued to spread
with devouring rapidity. The whole of that part of the in-
firmary devoted to the female prisoners is completely de-
stroyed. All the prisoners, male and female, labouring
under disease, have been removed to the chapel, to which
the flames have not yet communicated. It was some con-
siderable time before a supply of water could be obtained
and the engines brought into full play, but they are now
playing upon the building most vigorously. Great credit is
due to the foreman of the County Fire-office, who, by his
exertions in cutting off the communication from one wing
to the other, has preserved the eastern pentagon. By nine
o'clock a detachthent of the Scots Fusileer Guards marched
into tine irtcTior of the prison, atiavitiv-tjxeribtitslaigsrtz-d

in working the engines. The Queen-sqiiire, magistrates
were givint, directions, and in active attendance upon the
spot shortly after the fire was discovered. The Governor
of the prison and the Rev. Mr. Russell, the chaplain, have
had all their furniture removed from their residences to
another part of the building for safety. The alarm and
anxiety of the prisoners, who were watching the progress
of the flames through the iron gratings of their cells, ap-
peared to be excessive ; but every precaution has been taken
to secure them in case of necessity. It is generally sup-
posed that the fire originated in consequence of some im-
perfection with regard to the flue of the hot-air stoves with
which the laundry is heated.

TWELVE O'CLOCK.

The conflagration appeared to be diminishing, but so
great was the fear of its spreading further, that the Gover-
nor gave directions for the communication with another
pentagon to be cut off. The engines of the West of
England Fire Assurance Company, in the Waterloo-road,
were the first that arrived, and had there at the time been
a plentiful supply of water, the progress of the flames might
have been retarded. In the cutting off one of the commu-
nications, three of the West of England firemen nearly lost
their lives by a portion of the roof falling in, and precipitat-
ing them with great violence upon the floor beneath. By
half-past twelve the fire was so far got under, that no dan-
ger exists of its extending to any other part of the building ;
the damage must be very considerable. The cells of the
prisoners and the most important parts of the Penitentiary
are fire-proof. At a late hour Viscount Melbourne, Lord
Bexley, Sir William Gomm, and several other gentlemen
of rank, were present, and taking an active part in directing
the firemen and police. The Vauxhall-road was lined with
hundreds of spectators, and the fire appeared to illuminate
the atmosphere for miles round. A sergeant's guard was
posted outside the gates of the Penitentiary, and will re-
main there until all alarm has subsided.

(ANOTHER ACCOUNT.)
Last night, a little before six o'clock, the inmates of the
Penitentiary, Millbank, were greatly alarmed by a report
that a fire had broken out in the laundry, from which place
a body of smoke was rushing out of the windows. Upon
Captain Chapman, the governor of the gaol, being informed
of the occurrence, he directed the gates to be shut, and
oldered all the officers of the establishment to proceed to
the spot, where, on their arrival, it was found that the fire
had made very rapid progress. Every exertion was in-
stantly made to extinguish the flames, but without success,
and a messenger was sent for the engines. In the mean-
while, it was evident that the part of the prison which was
adjacent—namely, Pentagon 3,—was likely to be destroyed ;
the governor had the prisoners (who were women) promptly
removed. In a few minutes after the fire communicated
thereto, and continued with unabated violence till near
seven o'clock, at which time the St. John's engine, the
West of England, and several of those belonging to the
London Fire Establishment arrived, and were admitted into
the spacious yard of the prison. Shortly after their arrival
it was perceived by Dr. Wade, surgeon to the infirmary,
that the women's infirmary was in danger. The sick were
then taken away with every possible care. In a very few
minutes the engines began to play, and as there was a dike
surrounding the prison, which was full of water, there was
of course an abundant supply.
By this time Mr. Commissioner Mayne, from the White-
hall establishment of police, arrived, and was speedily fol-
lowed by a strong body of police from different divisions,
and two battalions of the Coldstream Guards, under the
command of Captain Pringle, entered the yard. In addi-
tion to the prevention of a violation of the peace, several
of them commenced working the engines, from which as-
sistance the firemen were enabled to go on the roof of the
building, where with their hatchets, under the superin-
tendence of Mr. Braidwood, they cut away the tiling, to
prevent the spread of the fire. Owing to these combined
and incessant exertions, by eleven o'clock a check was put
to the further progress of the flames, the Female Infirmary,
Pentagon, No. 3, and part of No. 4 Pentagon, being de-
stroyed.

Frm!' information that we can rely upon, it appears that
the origin of the fire is to be attributed to the overheating
of the iron flues, on which are put what is called the hot
horses (these being for the purpose of hanging linen on to
dry,) and which are made to slide along the flues. In con-
sequence of these flues being nearly red hot, it is supposed
that they ignited the linen, and finally set fire to the whole
laundry. About a week ago there were two laundries,-
but some new arrangement had been entered into by which
they were united into one. There being in consequence a
very great quantity of linen to dry, the flues were heated
more powerfully than usual. About twenty minutes before
six o'clock the women employed in the laundry, several of
whom are prisoners, left it for the purpose of being locked
up ; in about a quarter of an hour after the fire was disco-
vered.

On the fire first breaking out, the Governor evinced the
greatest anxiety as to the lives of the convicts, at the same
time expressing his hope that proper authorities would ar-
rive to take charge of them before the fire had gained such
an ascendancy as would compel him to open the gates and

Captain Pringle, who commanded the Guards, was inde-
fatigable in his exertions in encouraging the men, as was
also Captain Chapman, the Governor, and Mr. Mayne, one
of the Commissioners of Police. At eleven o'clock the fire
was greatly got under, and the prisoners, who had been
mustered in the yards, were removed to their respective
cells. At the above hour the military drew up in a line in
the outer court-yard, preparatory to their departure, it
being considered that all fear of the prisoners' safety was
at an end.

After the flames had been subdued, the police dispersed
the immense multitude which was assembled around the
walls of the prison, and the military also left.
Of course the amount of damage, as yet, cAnnot be as-
certained. So great an excitement in Westminster has
not been caused since the destruction of the Houses of
Parliament.

(FURTHER PARTICULARS.)
HALF-PAST 12 O'CLOCK.
The fok:: particular3l4te collected, inside the prison,
up to tli#'a • oi:e hour. The fire, it appears, commenced
about 7 o'clock in the evening, in the laundry, in conse-
quence of the clothes horses catching fire. On being dis-
covered an alarm was instantly made, and every exertion
used to extinguish the flames, but they soon communicated
to the walls, which consisting of light materials, they spread
with the most alarming rapidity. Captain Chapman, the
Governor of the prison, immediately gave orders for all
hands to commence work to put out the flames, but they
communicated to the various parts of the building on the
north side, so that he entertained strong fears that the whole
of the place would be destroyed, and he gave immediate or-
ders to have the inmates of the infirmary removed to the
chapel for safety, and the other prisoners were secured in
other parts which appeared not to be in immediate danger.
Shortly after the commencement of the fire numerous en-
gines arrived, and were stationed in the surrounding space ;
and although the edifice is surrounded by a moat, and con-
tiguous to the river Thames, strange to say for a consider-
able time there was a great scarcity of water, and the flames
spreading to various parts of the building, the sky was so
completely illumined, that it had the appearance of day.
The cries of the prisoners could be heard previous to their
removal, and everything was done for their safety and to
appease their fears. A strong body of the new police, un-
der the superintendence of Mr. Commissioner Mayne, and
Trowe and Grimwood, attended, and two battalions of the
Coldstream Guards, under Captain Pringle, and other
officers, were also called into action, and great difficulty was
found to keep off the anxious multitude, which was very
great, and numbers forced themselves into the prison.
Mr White and Mr. Burrel, the magistrates, attended
with their officers, and remained in a private apartment at
intervals of the evening to give directions.
By eight o'clock the conflagration arrived at such a
pitch that it was the impression that every part of the
prison would shortly be a scene of perfect devastation.
Many parts of the interior consist of dry wood, and the
wind being in an eastefly point, it encouraged the flames
to spread in the direction of the chapel, where numerous
prisoners were placed, and the greatest fears were enter-
tained for their safety. The state of mind of Captain
Chapman, the Governor, may be more easily imagined
than described ; he was walking about in a confused man-
ner, listening to every one's advice, and willing to adopt
any measures proposed for the safety of all. The igni-
tion of one of the pentagons was rapid and destructive,
and threatened to reach every part of the establishment.
At length Mr. Mayne, Captain Pringle, and other persons,
consulted with Mr. White, the Magistrate, upon the pro-
priety of pulling down several triangular parts of the build-
ing to prevent further communication with the flames. Mc.
White seconded the proposal, and consulted with Captain
Chapman, who also concurred, and a strong body of work-
men proceeded to the roof, and with pickaxes, saws, and
other implements, commenced operations at the risk of
their lives. Several of the nobility and gentry arrived at
iha prison, argi -waxia,adwit-t.0.1-44 the -interi,sveictitich was
covered with engine-pipes, shish, and water, but in the
eagerness of their anxiety they passed through it heedlessly,
and proceeded to various parts where they could command
a view of the conflagration. The scarcity of water was so
great on the occasion, that had it not been for the extreme
activity of the police and soldiers, who brought pails of
water in quick succession, the devastation would have been
more rapid and extensive. The engines, after a conside-
rable lapse of time, began to play, but some of them were
necessitated to wait for a quarter of an hour together with-
out a sufficient supply.- By 9 o'clock the female side of the
prison was nearly in one blaze, and it was greatly feared that
unless vigorous efforts were used, the flames would reach
the chapel ; and the men were ordered to break down part
of the building adjacent thereto, in order to preserve it.
The Governor's house, too, was threatened with destruc-
tion through the same medium. The roofs of the various
apartments fell in with a tremendous crash at about 10
o'clock, by which time the fire had considerably increased,
notwithstanding the united exertions of the police, fire-
men, &e.

At length information was forwarded to Lord Melbourne,
and at eleven o'clock his Lordship arrived at the prison,
and had an interview with Captain Chapman and the Ma-
gistrates, &c., when his Lordship was conducted round the
establishment. His Lordship inquired as to the origin,
and whether the prisoners were all safe. Captain Chapman
informed his Lordship that on discovering the fire, his first
object was to remove the whole of them from the infirmary
to the chapel, and the others were conducted under proper
escort to other parts of the prison, and he was happy to in-
form his Lordship that they were all safe. Lord Mel-
bourne, with evident solicitude, inquired whether any lives
had been lost, or any serious accidents had happened, and
was answered that none had as yet been heard of. His
Lordship then proceeded in the direction of one of the most
dangerous spots,where the fire was raging with immense fury.
On the arrangements which had been made for pulling
down various parts of the buildings, in order to prevent the
flames communicating to other more important portions of
the edifice, being mentioned to his Lordship, he highly ap-
proved of them. The fire continued to burn rapidly until
half-past twelve o'clock, when it was considerably got un-
der ; but the engines continued to play upon the premises
with great activity. The military and police were still sta-
tioned inside and out of the prison, but the crowd increased
during the whole of the night, and Milbank and all the
streets leading thereto were lined with people. The tops
of the houses, &c., were also thronged with spectators, and
the nobility and gentry arrived in numerous parties to wit-
ness the awful calamity.
On our reporter quitting the spot, Lord Melbourne,
Messrs. White and Burrell, a strong muster of Military
officers and persons of distinction, with Mr. Mayne, an&
superintendents, inspectors, &c., were present.

LIVERPOOL COTTON-MARKET, OCT. 6.—There
has been a respectable amount of business transacted to-
day, the sales reaching about 4,000 bags. Prices upon the
whole may be considered as having improved ; indeed holders
evince little disposition to sell at the low prices which have
been recently prevalent. There is no feature worthy of
notice.

LIVERPOOL CORN EXCHANGE, TUESDAY. At
to-day's market there was a fair attendance of the trade,
and a very moderate show of samples of good wheat and
oats. A fair retail demand was experienced for choicest
samples of new wheat at full prices, but middling kinds sold
slow at former rates ; prime Drogheda realized ss. 3d., and
Waterford was sold at 4s. 9d. per 701 b.: for old there was
more inquiry at previous rates. There was not much de-
mand for oats, yet 2s. 9d. could have been obtained for
choice Wicklow. New beans sold very slowly, but barley
was in moderate request at 3s. Bd. to 3s. 9d. per 601 b.
Fresh parcels of Irish flour were saleable, and, in some in-
stances, a small advance was obtained. :Oatmeal was
offered 6d. per load lower, and did not go off freely.
EXPLORING EXPEDITION.—NEW SOUTH WALES.
—Major Mitchell's exploring party, splendidly equipped,
halted at Bathurst last week, for the purpose of completing
their supplies, and, after testing three days, proceed on their
journey to a centrical spot in the Boree country, from
whence they will pursue a south-westerly course to the
Darling, Murrumbidgee, and Murray rivers. This, and a
return to the depot, will form the first division of the
work, when it is understood that the whole body will
move off in a north-westerly direction, with the view of
transversely intersecting the country, and establishing the
fact of the existence or non-existence of the great waters
which are supposed to have their source amongst the in-
terior mountains. The party are prepared for a year's
absence, and for all the vicissitudes of weather and
climate incidental to that protracted period. The men
started in high spirits ; most of them have been tried ser-
vants in the field service of the survey department, and ac-
companied the surveyor-general on his last tour. A ca-
pacious cedar boat, and whale boat of a smaller size, form
part of the equipment, and are conveyed on a carriage
nearly forty feet long, made for the purpose.—Sydney
Monitor. April 1.