The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-27 00:00:00

MEETING THIS DAY.

This afternoon the half-yearly meeting of this com-
pany was held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-
street ; Mr. Ralph Waters, Chairman of the Board of
•
D;rcctors, in the chair.
Tne rep ,rt and statement of accounts, already pub-
lished in The Sun, were taken as read.
The CHAIRMAN in moving the adoption of the report
said he had much plaasure in congratulating the meet-
ing that they had no oi better prospects before them.
Everything had -been done, during the byegone half-
year, for the benefit of the company, so far as devising
schemes and plans for that purpase. The directors
might have erred—doubtless they had on some particu-
lar points—but everything had been done by the direc-
tors to benefit the proprietors of this great company.
(Loud cheers.) in -moving the adoption of the
report he did so with great pleasure, inasmuch
as it exhibited to them a great deal more information
than had ever bean presented to them before at any pre-
vious half-ye;rly meeting--(hear, hear)— atid lie told
them that ao far as he knew and believed the report he
held in his hand contained " the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth." (Cheers.) The hon. gentle-
man then referred to the accounts. The gross earnings
of the company for the half-year bad been 77,8561.,
and the sharelitflers would see from the accounts
that those receipts bad been well applied. Tne
charges on the debit side of that account showed
374,332/. 16s. 3d., leaving 343,5281. 12s. sd. for divi-ion
viz., Rtstern Counties Railway 5-74,11, 245,374/. sd. ;
Norfak, 1-7,h 49,074/. 161. "; and the Eastern Union
I.7th 49,074/. 16s. The reduction of expenses during
the half year had engaged the earnest consideration of
the directors, and with that view they had abolished the
office of treasurer, as being unnecessary, and the direc-
tors were t.lio of opinion that it would be to the interest

of the shareholders that an amalgamation should
take place. (jiear, hear.) The capital accouni.
Lad increased, but not to the extent that might have
been expected last half-year. By abolishing the office of
treasurer, and appointing a cashier a saving had been
effected, and a more efficient check had been introduced,
The hon, gentleman. next referred to the alterations in-
troduced in the management of the line, and said in con-
sequence of what bad occurred, he bad examined
the register of bhares, and he was happy to say
that he had found everything correct. (Hear,
bear.) He next alluded to the permanent way de-
partment, which was being put into an efficient
state, and in reference to passenger fares and season
tickets re-echoed the paragraphs in the report in regard
to it, observing that the inconvenience complained
of by many gentlemen was necessary, it having been
found that one person had travelled for 17 months over
the hne with an old season ticket. He then went through
the various paragraphs in the report ac to stones, coal
traffic, &c., and with reference to the latter said that
every person using the l'ne should be placed on the same
footinc, as regaried charges. (Hear ) In conclusion
he referred' to the East Suffolk Railway Bill now before
Parliament, and in speaking of the London, Harwich,
and Continental Steam Packet Company, referred to it
in encouraging terms, and assured the meeting that what
the directors had done with reference to that company,
had been dono with a view to benefit the Eastern Rail-
way shareholders. (Hear.) He hoped that there were
better times in store for them, and that there was
something 1 mining in the future that would
benefit this great and extensive undertaking. (Cheers.)
The hon. get.tlsman moved the reception and adoption
of the report amidst loud cheers.
Dr. RILEY' seconded the motion, and congratulated
the meeting on the satisfactory nature of the report.
After some discussion the report was agreed to, and a
dividend was declared of ss. per share on the consoli-
dated stock of the company, amounting to 72,9201.
2s. 7d., leaving a balance of 7,5181. 2e. 6d., to be carried
forward to Vie next half-year.
The election of two directors was then proceeded with,
in room of Mr. Packe and Mr. Broadbent, who retired
by rotatiin.
On a show of bands for the several candidates, the
numbers were for Mr. Norris unanimous, Mr. Broad-
bent 19, Mr. Mayhew 7, Mr. Packe 64, Mr. Henry
Haines 17.

The CHAIRMAN declared Mr. J. T. Norris and Mr.
Packe duly elected.
Mr. Soper was elected an auditor.
A ♦ots of thanks was passed to the chairman and
directors (with loud cheers) ; also a vote of thanks to
the traffic manager and secretary.
The proceedings then terminated.