The Sun.
London, England, 1857-04-30 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING-, APRIL iit), 1857.

QECURE INVESTMENTS.—Messrs. R:
BARLEY and Co.. 44, Threadneedle-street, Sworn Stock, Share,
and Mining Brokers, will be happy to forward a list of carefully selected
Seep t i ties, paying good di videndv, to those 'AVII 0 may favour them with
their business, and to advise them 'on the safest mode of investing
their capital. Business transacted in the Enalish Funds at 1-IGth
per cent., and in all Stocks, Railway and Mining Shares, on the most
reasonable terms. A selected list of divldend-paying (from 12 to 20
per cent.) and progressive mines to be bad personally or per letter.

GREAT INDIAN •PENINSULA. RAILWAY
COMPANY.
At the Fifteenth Half Yearly General Meeting of Shareholders,
held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate street, London, on WED-
NESDAY. the 29th April, 1857
W NI. J. H &Mt ~TO N., Chairman of the Company in the Chair,
The company's seal was affixed to the Register of bbareholders. The
Directors' Report having been read,
It was moved by the CIIAIOMAN,
Seconded by F. G. Fame, Esq , and
Resolved, I:—That the Report, together with the Accounts now
read he approved and adopted.
It was moved by A. B. RICHMOND, Esq.,
Seconded by R. W. Caawronn, Esq., M.P., and'
Resolved, IL—That Mr. C. J. Frith, and Mr. S. Ayrton, M.P., of
London, and Col. Melvill and Mr. d. S. Cowie, of Bombay, be and
are hereby re elected Directors of this Company.
It was moved by Tilos. DAKIN, Esq„, •
Seconded by J. A. FRANKLIN, Esq.,' and.
Resolved, !ff.—That Mr. James Anderton be, and is hereby re-
elected an Auditor et this Company.
(Signed) WM. j. HAMILTON.
It was moved by F. W. Swats, Esq., C.F..,
Seconded by R. W. CRAWFORD, Esq., M.P., and
Resolved. 1 V.—That the test thanks of the meeting are due, and
are hereby tendered, to the Chairman and directors for their atten-
tion to the interests of the Company.
(Signed) • THOS. Ti. WATT, Secretary.

GREAT WESTERN. ,RAI-LWAY.
ALTERATION of TRAINS for MAY, 1857.
DOWN'.--The 6 a.m. Train from Paddington "will be con-
tinued on to Salisbury.
The 8.40 a.m. Train from Paddington will eave at .8,20,
and will haproportionately earlier at all Stations.
The Morning Express to the North will leave Paddington •
at 9.15, instead of at 9.40, as at present, arriving at Birming-
ham ae12.5, Shrewsbury at 1.35, Chester at 2.55, Birkenhead
at 3 30, and Liverpool at 3.45 p.m.
.The 12.50 Train from Paddington will leave at 1.0 p.m.,
and be tea minutes later at all Stations. -
The 2 p.m. Train from Paddington will be accelerated 15
minutes between Didcot and Birmingham, and will discontinue
to call at Codsall, Allbrighton, Shiffnall, and Oakengates,
arriving at Chester at 8.50, Birkenhead at 9.25, and Liver-
pool at 9.40 p.m. •
The 4 50 p.m. Express from Paddington will be discon-
tinued between Didcot and the North, and in place of it an
ordinary train will leave Paddington at 5.15 p.m., arriving at
Birmingham at 2.25, Chester at 11.15, Birkenhead at 11.45,
and Liverpool at 12- o'clock. . -
A Train will leave Paddington for Windsor and intermedi-
ate Stations at 8-.20 p.m.
The 9.15 p.m. Train from Paddington will be discontinued,
and in place of it a Train will leave for Windsor and interme-
diate Stations at 10 p.m.
The 2.45 p.m Train from Paddington will be continued on
from Swindon to Cheltenham, and intermediate Stations.
The 4.50 p.m. Express from Paddington will be continued
as an Express Train from Swindon to Cardiff, and will run to
Milford Haven on MenclAys, Wednesdays, and Fridays, in
connection with the Waterford steamers.
The 8.10 p.m. Train from Paddington will be continued on
fromphippenham to Weymouth, calling at principal Stations.
UP.-The 9.30 a.m. Train from Reading will leave at 9.20,
anti be proportionately earlier as far. as Taplow.
The 9 20 a.m. Train from Wycombe will leave at 9.10, and
will be ten minutes earlier as far as Taplow.
The 10.5 a.m. Train from Windsor will start at 10.10, and
arrive at Paddington at 10.55 a.m.
The 9 a.m. Train from Swindon will leave at 8.50, and will
be earlier at all Stations.
The 10 a.m. Train from Hungerford will leave at 9.45, and
be earlier at all Stations.
The 8.20 a.m Express from Bristol. will leave at 8.10, and
will be earlier at all stations, arriving at Paddington at 11.10
a.m.
The 7.50 a.m. Train from Cheltenham will be discontinued,
and in place of it an Express Train will leave at 7.55 a.m.
Au ordinary Train will leave Wolverhampton at 6.55 a.m.,
and Birmingham at 7.30, arriving at Paddington at 10.40 a.m.
The 7.45 a.m. Express Train from Wolverhampton will be
discontinued..
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays an Express Train,
in connection with the Waterford steamers„ will leave Milford
Haven at 2.25 p.m.
The 9.5 a.m Train from Chester will leave at 9.10, Wol-
verhampton at 11.35, Birmingham at 12.10, arriving at Pad-
dington at 3.50 p.m.
The 2.25 p.m. Train from Birmingham will start at 2.30,
and arrive- at Paddington at 5.40 p.m.
The 6.10 p.m. Train from Bristol will be accelerated be-
tween Swindon and Paddington, and will discontinue to call
at Steventon.
A Train will leave Weymouth at 9.55 p.m for Paddington,
calling at principal Stations.
The 3 p.m. Train from Liverpool willleave at 3.35, Birken-
head at 3.50, Chester at 4.20, Shrewsbury at 5.50. Wolver-
hampton 6.54, Birmingham at 7.30, and arrive at Paddington
at 10.40 p.m.
The 2.45 p.m. Train from Hungerford will start at 2 3e.
A Train for Paddington and intermediate Stations will
leave Windsor at 4.40 p.m. •
The 5.50 p.m Train from Windsor to Paddington will be
discontinued.
A Train .for Paddington and .intermediate Stations will
leave Windsor at 8.30 p.m. . _
The 9 p.m. train from Windsor to Paddington will be dis-
continued.
A Train for Paddington and intermediate Stations will
leave Windsor at 10.20 p.m.
SUNDAY TRAINS.
Down.-The 9 a.m. Train will stop at Wallingford Road
and will be slightly altered at other Stations.
A Train will leave Paddington at 9.45 a.m. for Liverpool
and intermediate Stations.
' The 4 p.m. Train from Paddington to Windsor will be dis-
continued. A Train for Windsor and intermediate Stations
will leave Paddington at 5.30 p m.
Ur. Tho 720 a.m. Train from Oxford will start at 7
o'clock, and wilibe earlier at all Stations, arriving at Pad-
dington at 9.30 a.m.
The 7.25 a.m. Train from Hungerford will leave at 6.55
a.m, and will be proportionately earlier at other Statibne;
The 8.15 a.m. Train from Wycombe will leave at 7.45 a.m.,
and be earlier at stations on the Wycombe branch.
A Train will leave Windsor for Paddington at 1.45
calling at intermediate Stations.
The 10 a.m. Train from Liverpool will leave at 8.30 a.m. ;
Chester, 9.50 ; Shrewsbury, at 11.55; Wolverhampton, at
1.10 p.m..; Birmingham, at 2.5 ; Oxford, at 4 ; and arriving
at Paddington at 6 p.m.
A Train will leave Wolverhampton at 3.30 p.m., and Bir-
mingham at 4.15 for Paddington.
The 3.15 p.m. Train from Birmingham will be discontinued.
The 5 p.m. Train from Windsor to Paddington will be dis-
continued.
A Train for Paddington will leave Windsor at 5.15 p.m.
The'6.3o p.m. Train from Windsor will leave at 6.45, and
will be later at other stations_
The 6.45 p.m. Train from Wycombe will start at 7.30, and
be later at other Stations on the branch.
For the time at intermediate Stations and Trainor 'altera
ions, see the Time Bills.-Paddington, April 27, 1857.

LADY FRANKLIN'S FINAL SEARCH.—
The 'Government having come to the con-
clusion that the fate of the craws of her Majesty's ship Erebus
and Terror requires no further investigation on their part,
Lady Franklin, in accordance with her sense of what is due
to the lost navigators,, is now fitting out an expedition at ler
own cost.
As a preliminary measure she sought assistance from the
Admiralty, by asking for the loan of the Arctic ship Resolute,
which had been restored in perfect order to our Queen by the
American nation, and also for the gift (as granted in her for-
mer private expeditions) of such stores from her Majesty's
dockyard as are available for this special service only.
Compliance with these requests having been declined, Lady
Franklin is now devoting her whole fortune to this final
search ; and a large screw yacht (the Fox) lying at Aberdeen,
has been purchased, which the distinguished Arctic officer
who has accepted the command of her (Captain Mi Clintock,
R.N.) has pronounced to be perfectly adapted to thi, employ-
ment.
Not repeating the arguments we formerly made use of to
induce the Government to undertake a final and exhaustive
search, we hold to the opinion that it is the duty of English-
men to examine that limited area whence the traces of their
missing countrymen were derived, which, though it lies to the
south of well-searched tracts, and has been approached by
vessels that returned without loss, has never yet been ex-
plored.
Supported by the advice of those experienced Arctic sea-
men, in whom she has every reason to confide, Lady Franklin
makes this last effort to clear away the mystery that shrouds
the fate of her husband and his crews, and possibly to rescue
from their isolated icy abode among the Esquimaux some of
his younger companions, who may still be prolonging a dreary
existence.
On such an occasion we, whose names are hereunto sub-
scribed, feel confident that this our appeal will not remain un-
answered by the British people, who will, we doubt not, ten-
der to the widow of the illustrious navigator that sympathy
which his fame and her devotion must call forth, and will aid
her 'in carrying out an enterprise involving, as we believe,
the honour of the nation.
We earnestly, therefore, entreat our countrymen to unite
with us in contributing to this noble object.
(Signed) Roderick I. Murchison' Prest. Rl. Geographical
Society,. F.R.S. ; Francis Beaufort, Rear-Admiral, F.R.S.
and F.R.G.S. ; Wrottesley, Prest. RI. Society; Edward Sa-
bine, Treas. RI, Society ; Robert Brown, F.R.S , V.P.L.S. ;
Richard Collinson, Captain R.N., F.R.G.S.; John Barrow,
F. R. S. , F.R. G. S.
Subscriptions already received.
Sir Roderick L Murchison, President Royal Geo-
graphical Society, F.R S. 2lOO 0 0
Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, K.C.B ,
F.R.G.S.
Lord Wrottesley, President Royal Society
General Sabine, Treasurer Royal Society 25 0 0
Robert Brown, V.P.L.S., F.R.5.10 0 0

Captain CoHinson, R.N.. C. 8., F.R.G.S
Rear-Admiral Swinburne
M. De La Roquette, V. President of the Geogra-
phical Society of Paris, I,ooof
Sir Thos. Dyke Acland, Bart.
Tho Hon. Mrs. Fairholme
—Le Feuvro, Esq, 5O 0 0
William Tite, M.P., F.R.G.S.
John Brown, F.R.G.S.
W. F. Sadler, Esq.
Lady Inglis
John Barrow, F.R.S., F.lt GSe
Hon. Mountsttuit Elphinstone, F.R.G.S. - 0 0
Joseph D. Hooker, M.D. F.R.S ........
John Arrowsmith, F.R.G.S. 5 0 0
Thomas Holdsworth Brooking, F.R.G.S lO 0 0
Count P. E. th Strzelecki, C.B , F.R.G.S.
Colonel Sykes, M.P., F.R.S., F.R.G.S.
1?•. o=borne Smith, F.R.G.S. 2 2 0
.Tohn Hicks, M.R.I. . 2 0 0
Lord 1 luff-rin
25 0 0
Th, Hon, Preti, Byron
Capt. Washington, R.N. Hydrographer to the
Admiralty
21 0 0
Subscriptions to be paid to Messrs. Coutts and Co, bank-
ers, for" Lady Franklin's Final Search Fund. 7.

'EAST INDIA HOUSE. 29TH .APRIL, 1857.
THE COURT of DIRECTORS of the .EAST
INDIA COMPANY DO HEREBY GIVE NOTICE, That a
QUARTERLY GENERAL COURT of the said Company will be
held at their House in Leadenhall-street, on WEDNP.SD AY, the 17th
June next, at Eleven o'clock in tue forenoon.
JAMES C. MELVILL, Secretary.

EAST INDIA HOUSE, 29TH Amu., 1857.

111 E COURT of DIRECTORS of the EAST

14._ INDIA COMPANY do hereby give Notice, that the Transfer
Books of the said Company's Stook will be shut on TUESDAY, the
9th June, at Tinto o'clock, and opened again on TUESDAY, the 14th
July ; sud
That the Warrants for the Dividends on tin said Stock, payable on
the 6th July, 1357, under the 11th section of the Act 3d and 4th Wm.
IV , cap. 85, will be ready to be delivered on that day.
JAMES C. MELVILL, Secretary.

PURSUANT to an Order of the High Court of
Chancery, made in h cause wherein James McMahon Is
plaintiff, and William McMahon and Charles McMahon arc defen-
dawls, tU creditors of ELIZ A. ( otherwise E LIZ k 11 ETH) _McMAHON,
fermi, ly of the Islsnd of Saint Kitts in the West Indies, but late of
Blointleld-terrace, Harrow-read, Paddthgton, in the county of Mid-
dlesex, Spinster, who died in or about the month of February, 1856,
are, by their solicitors, on *Or before the 6th day of November, 1857,
to come in and prove their debts at the chambers of the Vice•
Chat:cell r. Sir Itichsrd Teen Klnderaley; No. 3, Stone-buildings,
Lincoln's•inn, Middlesex, or in default thereof they will be peremp-
torily excluded from the benefit of the said order.
Monday, the 9th day of November, 1847, at 3 o'clock !Lathe after-
noon, at the said chambers, is appointed for hearing and adjudicating
upon the claims.
Dated this 23d day of April, 1857.

QCHWEPPE'S M :LVERN SELTZER
WATER, manufactured by J. SCIIWEPPE and Co, the sole
lessees of the Holy Well, possesses all the celebrated properties of
the 1,. ssau S?rinir. SCHWEPPK's SODA, NtAGNESIA, POTASS
WATERS and LEMONADE, are manufactured as [mai. Every
Bottle is protected by a Label with their stenature.
Serf W E PPE and CO., _ _ _

Manufacturers of Soda, Magnesia, and pota4i'Waf ers and Lemonade,
London, Liverpool, Bristol, and Derby.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCIT.

GREA.T INDIAN PENINSULA.
The half-yearly meeting of this company was held
yesterday at the London Tavern ; Mr. W. J.
Hamilton in the chair.

Mr. Watt, the secretary, read the report, an ab-
stract of which appeared in The Sun of Monday.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the
report, stated that he felt great satisfacion in eon—
gratulating them on their prospects and the progress
of their affairs in India. From information they
had received the progress had been more than he
had anticipated. It appeared from the statement
of the chief engineer that the progress of the works
on their line was most satisfactory. He was per-
fectly satisfied with the contractors ; no delay bad.
arieen from those gentlemen, and the reports
brought by•the last mail confirmed those statements
which the engineer had sent home. 'As to the
details of their proceedings in India, it would be
unnmssary for him to detain them, as a full state-
ment was giVen in a small pamphlet circulated
among the shareholders, in which they would sea
the exact position of their affairs. He thought there
could be no doubt, as stated in the report, of the
ultimate prosperity and success of their undertak-
ing. The report alluded to the progress of the
works ou the line from Callian to I'oonah and
Sholapoor,.wbich had been let in three contracts.
It was intended to lay down a portion of the pee-
manent way above the Ghauts, and arrangements
for the transport of the rolling stock to the line be-
yond the Ghauts were being made so as to bring
that portion of the line into operatioo before the
portion of the railway up the Ghauts could be
completed. They would thus progress with
the line towards Shulapoor pending the exe-
cution of the works up the Bhore Ghent. The
permission. of the Government had been applied
for to carry on the other portion of the lino
towards the north-east, , and three sections had
been let. As there was some difficulty in the ascent
of the Ghauts, Mr. Berkley, their engineer, bad
proposed an alternative line by taking advantage
of the valleys, tunnelling from one valley to :trio-.
ther, and thus forming a kind of loop line, by which
the proposed steepest gradient of 1 in 37 cn the
shorter line would be reduced to 1 in 66 on the loop
line, which would be a very material ad.vantige in
working the ti affic. The shorter line would be nine
miles in length, while the loop line would be only
12 miles in length. They would thus obtain a most
important advantage in the gradients by means of
the •additional three miles. With regard to the
traffic receipts, the returns showed that, they ave-
raged 13,000 rupees per day, while at the last avast-
, ing they aveiaped Only 10;000 aupt,es;' shoving a
considerable increase. With regard to their aidi-
, tional capital, it had been taken up, 'with the
exception of a email portion, and they bad
no reason to suppose that it would not;
be taken up in Bombay. He then adverted to
the retirement of Mr. Nicholson from the
office of Superintendent-Director. The resignation
of Mr. Nicholson took place in consequence of hav-
ing made some suggestions at the board for forming
a company of contractors to execute works in India
of which he would be a_ member. They told him
they thought it was not quite consistent with his
position iii the company to carry out those sugges-
tions. Finding' that hie proposition was not ap-.
proved by the board he resigned, and the vacancy
at the board was filled up by the appeentment of
Mr. L. R. Reid, formerly a member of the council
and Acting Governor of Bombay.
Mr. J. G. Flues seconded the motion for the
adoption of the report. .
Mr. FRANKLYN w;shed to know the total. amount
of interest they had received from the East India
Company, and what was the estimated cost of the
88 miles now in operation, including working stock
PO as to enable theta to calculate the percentage of
the net earnings 'ofthe line on the capital expended
on that portion of their undertaking.
• The CHAIRMAN stated that the amount of money
received in the shape of interest from the East In-
dia Company was 176,805/. iu England, and 36,377/.
in India, together 213,1821. Table Ain the pamph-
let showed the average cost of the 88 miles of line,
exclusive of rolling stock, to be 5,8371. per mile.
The cost of the rolling stock was about 7211. per
mile, making together 6,5651.
Mr. PRICE was not by any means satisfied 'with
the progress of the works. 'They had been 7i years
constructing 88 miles of railway. He had no ob-
jection to the retirement of Mr. Nicholson, as he
(Mr. Price) did not think they required a superin-
tendiug-diiector' an imperiuni in imperio ; ho
thought it a most unsatisfactory arrangement., and
he congratulated them on its termination. He
thought an infusion of new blood into the direction
would be beneficial. The contractors were English-
men, and he thought there would be no difficulty in
pushing on the works with vigour. They were told
that India could produce immense quantities of tea,
cotton, and so forth, and now that they were at
war with China was the time to push forward the
railways in India. He wished to know whether
there was any other matter between the directors
and Mr. Nicholson, and whether they considered it
desirable to move a vote; of thanks. He concluded
by moving an amendment, to the effect that the
first paragraph in the report should be omitted.
The paragraph stated that the reports which the
directors continued to receive from Bombay were in
every respect most gratifying as to the progress of
the affairs of the company.
Mr. WILD seconded the amendment.
Mr. SIMS, with respect to the delay complained
of considered himself an authority. They. all knew
that the East India Company moved slowly. The
delay did not take place from any want of energy
in the directors, and it was not until 1850 or 1851
that anything was done in respect of the works.
He knew the difficulties 'that were experienced in
England in carrying out railway works, but they
were nothing to those experienced in India.
Mr., AUSTIN thought that contract No. 12, ex-
tending 190 miles, was too much for one contract.
Mr. RICHMOND said it 'was well known in the
earlier proceedings of the company that the Board
of Directors of the East India Company very re-
luctantly entertained the question of railways, but
they hid since taken a different view. About Bor
10 years ago the East India Company might have
covered. India with railways at a much less cost
than at present. Many gentlemen present would
recollect the difficulties that were interposed to the
introduction of railways in India ; the (promoters
had been compelled to submit to a game of "bat-
tledore and shuttlecock" between the East India
Company and the Board of Control, until at last
the necessity for railways in India became so ob-
vious that their introduction could be no longer
resisted.
Mr. G. SMITH hoped the amendment would be
withdrawn, as it was necessary they should act with
unanimity.
The CHAIRMAN replied
.t o the observation. of Mr.
Price as to 'the alleged slow progress of the under-
taking. He did not think it necessary to advert to
the game of battledore and shuttlecock between the
East India Company and the Board of Con-
trol which had been mentioned, but the share-
holders should not suppose that anything of that
kind now existA. The board of directors were on
the best terms 'with .016 autborite-4. They had to
construct and work, railways at an immense dis-
tance from London, to send the permanent way,
ironwork, engines, carriages, waggons and so fortb,
I from Ragland to India, and thus employed a large

number of ships. At the same time there were also
being sent out materials for twd or three other rail-
ways iu India, taking up an enormous amount of
tonnage. They had a large staff surveying thou-
sands of miles with a view to select the best route.
Then .to obtain the approval &f the Government
the' consulting engineer had 'to make out the ne-
cessary plans, and so forth, for the contractors,
prior to tenders for the contracts being received.
There were delays 'from natural, causes also, and
he contended that the directors had done every-
thing they could to carry out the objeCts of the
company. Notwithstanding those difficulties,
they had completed 88 miles of railway,
and they were constructing an additional length
of 220 miles of railway, which-would be open for
traffic in the course of three years from the present
time, and they would then have 308 miles of rail-
way in operation. The next call would be 2!.
the new shares to place them on a footing with the
shares upon which 4/. was paid. With regard to the
contract for 190 miles in length Mr. Bray had one for
170-miles, and he,found no difficulty in proceeding
with it. Between Poona's and Shola-)oor alone
there were 21,000 lal!ourers at work, and -he
thought it rather hard that any shareholder should
complCin of the rate of progress made. All the con-
tracts were let by public tender on a schedule of
prices. They found that the best course, as it left
the engineers at liberty to make any alterations in
the time they might deem expedient. Thole was
nothing further than he had stated with reference
to Mr. Nicholson's retirement ; they had reason
to be satisfied with the manner in which he had
performed his daily duties, but they d.,cl not ap-
prove his suggestions with regard to the proposed.
company. The board did not consider it des:rable
to propose a vote of thanks.
The amendment was then put and neptiypi by
a •

veiy- large majority.
On the motion for the adoption of the report a
diScussion ensued in respect of the large balance' in
the treasury of the East India Company subset ibed.
by the railway company.
Mr. FIELD contended that the available balance
ambunted to 1,000,0001. in the hands of the East
India Company, and; although the shareholders
were paid 5 per cent. on the amount subscribed,
they would at a future time have to repay that
amount before they could get anything beyond 5
per cont. per annum out of the profits of the rail-
way.'"By the present mode the loss to the company
would be about 50,000/. a-year.
Mr. -AYRTOir, MP. as one of the directors; was
much obliged to the shareholders for taking so much
interest in their affairs.' He thought the subject of
dealing with the bas ince in the treasury was a
matter-for consideration. The contract with the
Government was of a‘very stripL7eut chancta,r, and
be trusted that when the subject was briltight before
the Government that the company would be dealt
with in a just and equitable manner. The terms of
the contract were vague and inequitable, and such
as ought not to have been made. The question was
when should the subject re=pecting the profits be
brought forward—whether immediately or at some
future time ? At all events, as a shareheldi r, he
would bring the matter under the consideration of
the board. He had stated his opinion on this sub-
ject merely as a shareholden
Mr. FRITH stated that, although there appeared
a large balance here in the treasury of the B tst In-
dia Company, - yet it was probable they had paid
500,0001. for the company in India. The payments
for the company in India ainounttd from 120,0001.
to 180,0001. per month, and it would be very un-
wise., in carrying on such works, to have leas than
8. or.lo months's money in hand: .
The report was adopted. The retiring directors
and auditor were re-elected, and the proceedings
concluded with the best thanks of the meeting -to
the chairman and directors.

'EAST KENT.
A numerous and highly-respectable meAing of
the inhabitants of Rochester, convened by t'ie
mayor, in compliance with' a requisition signed by
a large number of the ciVz was held in 'the
Town Hall on Tuesday evening. • The' mayori (Mr.
Manclark) presided. There were present7—Lord,
Sondes, the chairman Mr. Leshington, I the
deputy chairman ; Mr. Cobb, Mr. Walter, Mr.
Twopenny, Mr. C. Hilton, and Mr. Lake,- direc-
tem ; and Mr. Holroyd, secretary of the East Kent
Railway CoMpany ; Mr. Newman, from Messrs.
Freshfietd, solicitors'of the company.; Mr: Cubitti
Mr. Mtlh, Mr. Turner, conyeetel with the eilgt-
Deering department ; Mr. Martin, M.P., for Ro-
chester ; Major Boys, the Rev. F. -Delve, and
Messrs. Nicholson, Day, Nicholson, ;inn., Foord,
W. W. Hayward, Essell, Prall, Acwortb, Yetc'ier,
Campbell, Barnett, Wheeler, !laymen, Andrews,
Blunt, Naylor. Salomon, R. L. Cobb, Furrell,
The Mayor, in opening the business of the day,
said.that on Thursday last ho received a requisi-
tion that he would call a mretine.b of the inhabit-
ants of these towns and neiehb ,urhoo l to coesider
the proposed'extenswn of the Ea t Kent Railway
from Rochester to London, will its two metropo-
litan termini—one at the Waterloo Bridge st ition
of the South-Western, and the other at the Vic-
•toria Bridge, at the west-end. It was really a
source of gratification to him to receive such a re-
quisition, while, at the same time, it was his
bounden duty to accede to the terms of the requisi-
tion ; and he called the meeting at the earliest pos-
sible moment, in order that a'petition in favour of
the line might be presented from Rochester witi•-
out loss of time. He would call on Mr. Nicholson
to move the first resolution.
Mr.,,NICHOLSON, had great pleasure in moving--
" That the proposed line from Strood. to St. Mary's
Cray is imperatively required for the proper rail-
way accommodation of the populous towns and
neighbourhood of Rochester, Uhatharn, Brompton,
and Sti ood." He could not see a single objection
that could be urged against the proposed line, and.
he begged to give it his'most hearty support.
Mr. FOORDhad much pleasure in seconding the
resolution.
Mr. LUSECINGTON, the deputy chairman of the
East Kent Company, then proceeded, at the request
of the mayor, to offer a' few observations on the
proposed line. He said that he trusted that the
East Kent -Company would meet with the unani-
mous support of the district, in carrying out this
line, not in hostility to the South-Eastern Com-
pany, but solely under the, conviction that tee
wants of the public and the county required its
construction. _

The resolution was then carried unanimously.
Mr. WHEELER then proposed the following reso
lution :—" That the direct communica,ion which
will be secured by the proposed line from Rochester
and its vicinity to the Crystal Palace, Wa,terleo-
bridge, Ranelagh-bridge, mid the South-Western,
Great Western, North-Western, and other metro-
politan railways, will be of great local benefit and
public advantage." He thought the proposed line
was just the thing the enunty of Kent required.
Mr. BUTCHER felt great pleasure in seconding
the resolution.
Mr. MARTIN, M.P., said he was there not to
take any part in the proceedings, but to ascertain
what the wishes of his constituents were in refer-
ence to the proposed line. He thought it would
be of great advantage to Rochester and the neigh-
bourhood if the East Kent directors would pledge
themselves that, as far as they were concerned,
they would have no factious opposition with other
railway companies, but that they would, as far as,
they possibly could, effect such arrangements as
should secure a communication to the west and
north of England without unnecessary delay.
Lord SONDES said the directors of the East Kent
Company could not pledge themselves to any'par-
ticular line of conduct, but he would say, and he
was sure he only echoed the feelings of his col-
leagues, that they would do their utmost to carry
out any proposition that should have for its object
the convenience and accommodation of the public
(cheers).
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Mr. BLUM moved the following resolution :--
"That this meeting views with great satisfaction
the proposed line, inasmuch as it will secure to the
towns of Rochester, Chatham, and the neighbour-
hood a direct.line of railway communication in the
hands of an independent company, having the
power, and whose interest it will be, to afford the
cheapest and best accommodation to the inhabitants
and the public."
Mr. NAYLOR gave his cordial support to the re-
solution.
Mr. HOLROYD, the secretary of the East Kent
Company, said, as it had ben his duty to pay a
great dea,i of Attention to the line now under the
consideiation: of the meeting, he should not, he
thought, be considered presumptuous in offering a
few remarks, and pointing out one or two matters
of importance in reference to the measure. With
respect to the question put by the hon. member for
the city of Rochester, as to whether the East Kent
Company Would pledge themselves to work cor-
,lifilly and efficiently! in connection with the South-
West-in Conip:itiY, he thought that the st dement
of the noble lord was quite sufficient to satisfy Mr.
Martin on that point. • At the same time he would
remind the meeting that the object of the East
dent Conipany,sad he spoke as having a know,