The Sun.
London, England, 1861-02-07 00:00:00

THAMES.

STEALING A. FowL.—A boy named Henry Walker,
about 17 years of age, was brought before Mr. Sslfe,
charged with stealing a fowl in the Coborn-road, Mile-end.
The prisoner and another boy were seen this morning
throwing some barley to fowls in the Coborn-road, and the
prisoner's companion snatched up a fowl, gave it to the
prisoner, and he put it in a bag and ran away with it. A
young man named George Wilson, the son of the owner of
the fowl, immediately pursued the prisoner, who ran some
distance, and finding himself closely pursued let the fowl
out of the bag and quickened his pace. He was soon
overtaken and secured.

Please you, my lord, said the prisoner, a boy gave me
the fowl and told me to carry it.
Mr. Selfe asked the prisoner whether his companion
could not carry the fowl himself, to which he made no
answer.

The owner of the fowl said he had lost a great many of
a similar description.
Mr. Selfe said he did not wonder at that. How could it
be otherwise, when fowls were sent into the roads and
streets of the metropolis with no one to look after them.
Ho sentenced the prisoner to ten days' hard labour in the
house of Correction.

THE WEATHER.

METEOROLOGICAL REPORTS.

Feb. 7,
between 8 and B. E. M. D. F. C. I. S.
9 a.m.
Nairn 28'85 39 37 S.W. 7 2 b. 5
A berdeen .
Greenock
Berwick 29.43 43 40 S.W. 5 5 b. 3
Portrush
Galway 29.36 41 40 W. 4 4 C. 3
_null
Liverpool 29•io i 43 40 S.S. W. 3 8 c. 2
Valenti&
Queenstown 29'38 41 40 W.S.W. 2 2 b. 2
Yarmouth 29 56 41 40 S.W. 3 6 f. 5
London 29'55 43 41 S. 3 8 0.
Night extreme 29'50 38 -- s S.W. 4 1 b. _
gew....--... . 29.55' 43 41 S. 3 9 0.
Dover 2913 46 44 S.W. 3 9 0. 2
Portsmouth
Plymouth
Penzance , 20'50 42 41 W 1 5 b. 2
EXPLANATION.—B. Barometer, corrected and reduced
to 32 deg at mean sea level ; each 10 feet of vertical rise

to 32 deg at mean sea level each 10 feet of vertical rise
causing about 1-100th of an inch diminution, and each 10
deg above 32 deg causing nearly 3-100ths increase. E.
Exposed thermometer in shade. M. Moistened bulb (for
evaporation and dew-point). D. Direction of wind (true—
not magnetic). F. Force (1 to 12—estimated). C. Cloud
(1 to 9). I. Initials :—b., blue sky; c., clouds (detached) ;
f., fog. ' • h., hail ; 1., lightning ; m,, misty (hazy) ; 0.,
overcast (dull) ; r., rain ; a., snow ; t., thunder. A letter
repeated augments—thus, r.r., much rain. S. Sea disturb-
ance (1 to 9).

WIND AND WEATHER REPORT, FEB. 7.
Kingstown, W.; fine
Leeds, N.E. ; fine
Londonderry, S.W.; wet
Manchester, S.W.; wet
Middlesborough, S.; fine
Milford Haven,S.W.; cloudy
Newcastle on Tyne, S.W. ;
fine

Aldsrnsy, E.N.E. ; fine
Birmingham, S.W.; fine
Bradford, S.W.; showery
Brighton, S.S.W. ; inn
S.S.W. ; stormy
Cambridge, S. ; fine
Cardiff, S.W. ; cloudy
Chatham, S.W.; cloudy
Cork, N.W. ; fine
Deal, S.W. ; cloudy
Doncaster, S.; fine
Dublin, E.N.E. ; fine
Dundee, N.E.; fins
Edinburgh, W.; fine
Falmouth, IV. ; stormy
Glasgow, E.N.E. ; fine
Gravesend, W. ; cloudy
Hartlepool, S.W. ; fins
Holyhead, S.W. ; fresh breeze

Newmarket, S.W. ; dull
Norwich, S.E. ; cloudy
Peterborough, S.S.W.; fine
Sheffield, S. ; fine
Southampton, S.W. ; stormy
Stockton on Tees, S.W.; fine
Sunderland, S.W. ; fine
Wakefield, S.E. ; fine
Waterford, W. ; fine
Weymouth, S.W. ; rain
Whitehaven, W. ; cloudy
Wolverhampton, S.W. ; fine
York, S.W. ; fine

and clear
llarwich, W.N.W. ; clear
Inverness, S.W. ; fine

According to the New York advices, the total
of gold received from this side had reached
£2,166,000, leaving £915,000 yet to arrive. Of
the amount received, however, about £1,000,000
or £1,200,000 had not yet passed into circulation,
owing to delay at the Mint. It was expected that
each future packet to England would carry back
some parcels of sovereigns.

SERIOUS ILLNESS OFT HER GRACE THE DUCHESS
or GORDON.—The inhabitants of Huntley and neighbour-
hood were much alarmed, at the beginning of this week,
to learn that her Grace the Duchess of Gordon was seriously
ill. tit seems that the health of the Duchess has not been
good since the beginning of January ; but it was not till
a few days ago that any just fears were entertained regard-
ing it. Dr. Kilgour, from Aberdeen, was summoned by tele-
graph on Tuesday to attend her grace. We are glad to
learn that the latest report is rather a favourable one, and
that there is some hope of, at least, a partial recovery, and
a further prolongation of her grace's valuable life..—Battf-
Miro 47ournd,

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the reception of the
report, said he felt grateful and happy in having
to meet the assurers for the twentieth time, (Cheers.)
He saw around him faces that he had been familiar
with ever since the commencement of the society,
and that greatly heightened the pleasure of occupy-
ing the chair on that occasion. He felt it would be
Unnecessary for him to occupy their time with any
lengthened remarks, because the report they had just
heard read stated that the progress of the society had
been highly satisfactory. He could not help refer-
ring, at the outset, to that passage in it that referred
to the valuable exertions of members, and if
each of the present assurers only carried out the
recommendation by introducing one new member,
they would do an amount of good that would be
mutually beneficial to all. As he liked to anticipate
as many questions as possible, he would at that
moment briefly refer to the small increase that had
taken place in their expenses over those oflast year;
it arose entirely from the accession of new business,
and from the reduction of £6O from the sum usually
charged to the benevolent fund. (Hear.) That fund
for the future would be kept separate ; and for the
future no charge would appear on the accounts of
the Life Assurance Association relating to the
Benevolent Fund. The clerks salary and the
actual expenses of the Fund would be charged to
the Fund direct. (Hear, hear.) In adopting
that course the directors would meet the views of
those who had always argued such a course, and he
trusted the determination would meet with unani-
mous approval. A gentleman had called at tho
office a few days ago, and after examining the
balance-sheet, objected to the amount charged for
deputations to the provinces ; but when it was
considered what had been done, he did not think
the meeting- would consider that the expenditure
was at all excessive. The directors had sent depu-
tations to 47 places, at which they had held no
less than 55 meetings—(hear, hear)—all of which
had been attended with good results to the society.
lle was aware there was a gentleman in the society
who, in order to reduce that expenditure, was of opi-
nion that as the society had reached its present safe
andproud position, it would be quite enough now
to merely occupy a small room and allow the society
to work out its own further development. (Laugh-
ter.) He was not of that opinion. (Hear, hear.)
His object was to increase their operations, and go
on doing so as long as he was permitted to live,
and he was glad to think that such a proceeding as
he had just referred to was only the opinion of one
of their body. (Hear, hear.) Since the com-
mencement of the Provident Clerks' Life Assurance
Fund no less than 269 offices had sprung into
existence, but out of that large number only 54
remained in operation, and that circumstance, when
they came to look calmly at it, was an extraordinary
fact ; and it was a great satisfaction to know that
this society was one that had withstood everything
of an alluring or visionary description. Tho direc-
tors had resisted all temptations to trifle with its
members—(hear, hear)—everything had been
honestly and faithfully placed before the members
in the balance-sheets annually submitted to
them, and he looked upon that as the cir-
cumstance that had placed them in their
present proud position. The directors had not,
like many other societies, attempted to outdo all
others, and, as might be expected by such a pro-
ceeding, injure themselves; but they had adopted
an honest, upright, and straightforward course,
and the result was their present prosperity. He
was not aware that there was any necessity for his
further occupying their time, but if any gentleman
wished for any information ho would most readily
give it. He should, therefore, conclude by moving
that the report and balance sheet now read be re-
ceived and adopted, and that the same be printed
and circulated at the discretion of the board.

Mr. KINTREA hoped the chairman would inform
him whether the directors had given any attention
to sub-letting some of the large premises they now
held ?

The CHAIRMAN hoped he had heard the last of
the house question at their last meeting. (Hear,
hear.) The part of premises not required for office
business was occupied by the secretary.
' Mr. REYNOLDS asked a question with respect to
the amount in the hands of agents.

The SECRETARY said the amount on the balance-
sheet as duo by agents was rather larger than usual,
but it was due from the railways and the Post-
office, the accounts for which were made up to the
31st of December, so that the money could not bo
paid for a day or two after the close of the year as
they had to be examined. The greater portion of
it had since been received.

The adoption of the report was put and carried
amidst loud cheers.

Mr. JEssE HOBSON said, after the highly satis-
factory report and balance sheet that had been
submitted to the meeting, ho felt great pleasure iu
moving that the thanks of the meeting be presented
to the directors for their efficient manage-
ment of the association, and that the
sum of £BOO be awarded them for their ser-
vices during the past year. (Loud cheers.)
When he entered the room it had been suggested
to him by severs' old and influential mem-
bers, as it had become known that the resolution
thanking the directors for their services during the
year had been placed in his hands, that the amount
should be increased from 800 to 1,000 pounds, on
account of the great increase of prosperity that had
attended their past year's operations, but to the
honour of their Chairman and efficient board of
directors, when the proposition was made mention
of to them, they respectfully but positively declined
the compliment, and stated they would much rather
the remuneration remained the same as last year.
(Cheers.) As be had before observed, he had great

The CHAIRMAN said the meeting was now
entering upon the election of three auditors. There
were five candidates, out of which they would
have to select three gentlemen. Mr. Lloyd, Mr.
Toole, and Mr. Woolley offered themselves for
re-election, and Mr. Fry and Mr. Harrod were the
new candidates. All five gentlemen had been pro-
posed in due form, and he should be happy to hear
the remarks of any gentleman who felt disposed to
address the meeting.
Mr. HOWARD said the opposition to the re-
election of the old auditors was a very striking
circumstance, and-it ought to be shown whether
there was any cause why they should not be re-
elected. (Hear, hear.) He should like to know
whether there was any fault against the old audi-
tors; if not, and they had done their duty faith-
fully and efficiently, he was at a loss to discern
what good was to by effected by a change. For
some years they had done their duty well and
honestly, and he must say he thought the present
opposition to their re-election looked like a want of
confidence in them. (No, no.) Ho hoped the
meeting would re-elect the gentlemen who had so
well served them.

Mr. LEGG begged to move the re-election of
the retiring auditors, Messrs. Lloyd, Toole, and
Woolley. He was surprised that any of their body
could have been so inconsiderate to come forward
and oppose their re-election. He hoped an expla-
nation would be given for the introduction of such
a disturbing element into the harmony of their
proceedings. He had heard something about the
introduction of fresh blood, but he was of opinion
that the wisest and best thing to do was to intro-
duce fresh members. (Cheers and laughter.) The
institution was flourishing, then why by contention
try to do harm and injury to it.
Mr. WALTON said, no reflection was intended on
the gentlemen who had performed the duties of
auditors. They had done their duty well, but it
was thought advisable that one if not more of the
auditors ought to retire annually, and with
that idea two new candidates had come for ward
for the office. They all met there as mutual
friends, and every one that was duly qua-
lified had as good a right to stand for election as a
director or auditor as another.

Mr. WARWICK deprecated any change. As long
as the three gentlemen who had hitherto fulfilled
the duties of auditors efficiently and well retained
their confidence they ought to be re-elected.
Mr. KINTREA said the three gentlemen had en-
joyed for seven years th© post and profit—[this
observation was so much disapproved of by the
meeting, that with difficulty the speaker was al-
lowed to continue his remarks—the whole pay-
ment to the three auditors being only £3o]. He
was understood to say that he thought the meeting
would do wrong in refusing the infusion of new
blood.

Mr. MINTON seconded the re-election of the
retiring auditors. They were known tried men,
and therefore they ought to be preferred to new
and untried ones. (Cheers.)
Mr, LLOYD, ono of the retiring auditors, said he
had patiently listened to hear whether there was
the slightest breath of suspicion against either him-
self or colleagues, and he had heard none. Had
there been any fault against them they would have
retired instantly, but that not being the case ho
trusted they would be re-elected. If it were thought
desirable to have a retiring auditor every year, the
most straightforward course to adopt was to make
an alteration in the rules to that effect. Mr. Lloyd
concluded a very able speech, by repudiating with
indignation the idea that the mere question of a
ten-pound note could weigh with him in wishing
to retain the honourable post he had held for ten
years. The speaker was loudly cheered.
Mr. FRY and Mr. HARROD, the now candidates,
having addressed the meeting,
The CHAIRMAN proceeded to put the respective
names of the gentlemen to the meeting. For Mr.
Lloyd, 180 hands were held up ; for Mr. Toole, 145 ;
for Mr. Woolley, 116 ; for Mr. Fry, 64 ; and for
Mr. Harrold, 21.

The first three gentlemen—the retiring auditors
—were declared duly elected.
Mr. LLOYD, on the part of himself and colleagues,
returned thanks.

Mr. LEGG said he had now a very pleasing duty
to perform, and one which he felt satisfied would
be agreed to most cordially. It was to thank the
chairman for his conduot in the chair that evening.
For 20 years he had filled the distinguished situa-
tion, and he sincerely prayed that he might long
be spared to pursue the work of good that ho was
so earnestly and heartily engaged in. (Cheers.).. _
Nearly every person present wished for
ntu alin;
honour of seconding the motion, and
without any single individual Obtaining
the loudest
pleasure, the motion was carried amidst tehvee coveted
cheers.
The CHAIRMAN said he was P rticularly obliged
to the meeting for their
their
i d:ess. It was his
greatest pride to preside
_eaet meetings, as they
never, like ethers, had lrdisgracedijg would prevail for themselves, and he
hoped the same mutual
f
the future.

PROVIDENT CLERKS'
FUND. BENEVOLENT

Immediately on the conclusion of the assurance
proceedings, the annual meeting of the members of
the benevolent fund was held ia the same room,
under the presidency of Mr. Jones.
Mr. John Abel Smith, the treasurer, having been
unexpectedly prevented from attending,
Mr. LINFORD, the secretary, read the annual
report as follows :

The board have much pleasure in presenting to the
members and friends of this fund their twentieth annual
report. The income for the year 1860 has been as follows,
viz. :--Donations £134 3s. ; annual subscriptions, £539
14s. ; life subscriptions, ,D 1 ; subscriptions of ss, and
clerks, £709 6s. ; interest,
upwards from assurers being
dividends, &c., £Bl7 9s. Bd, Total, £2,218 12e. Bd. The
amount presented in gratuities to members and widows of
members during the year is £124 13s. In pursuance of
the resolution of the annual general meeting of the Ist of
February, 1860, an election of annuitante took place

IMIERIA.I. WEEKLY AVERAGES. Wheat, 55s 6d ;
barley, 40s Od ; oats, 23s 3d ; rye, 34s 3d ; beans, 40s
8d ; and peas, 43s Od.
Tit SIX WEEKS' AVERAGES. Wheat, 56s ld ;
barley, 40s 3d ; oats, 22s 10d ; rye, 35s 8d ; beans, 42s 10d ;
peas, 43s 6d,
ENGLISH GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK.—Wheat, 70,416;
barley, 78,223 ; oats, 16,771 ; rye, 51; beans, 5,128 ; peas,
1183 quarters.