The Sun.
London, England, 1850-09-17 00:00:00

N°. 18,091.] LONDON, TUESDAY E G S N SEPTEMBER 17, 1850.

DISPUTED LIFE POLICIES.

A trial of considerable interest to Life Assurance Offices and the
public was concluded yesterday in the Court of Exchequer. The
Eagle Company held a policy for an assurance of 5391. In the Albion
Company as security for an advance, the payment of which policy
was now disputed by the Albion, on the ground that at the time it
was effected the fact of the assured party having been a man of in-
temperate habits was concealed from the office. The chief evidence
turned upon the question as to the degree of intemperance that had
been exhibited, and the result was, that a verdict was given against
the resisting office, not only for the amount of the policy, but also for
401. interest from the date when it became due. The circumstance
of the action being brought by one office against another presents a
striking illustration of the uncertainty which may attach to all po-
licies under the present system, and shows that the only mode by
which absolute security can be obtained by the public must lie in the
general adoption by Assurance Offices of the plan of protecting them-
selves in every case by duo inquiries before the granting( f each po-
licy, and of afterwards assuming the full responsibility of the com-
pleteness of such inquiries by holding themselves precluded from
raising any future question. In the present case two offices are
found to be diametrically opposed in their opinions as to what can
properly invalidate a claim, and yet the public are expected to be
able to guare themselves against such contingences. Similar cases
have occurred before, and even if they were more rare, they would
seriously injure the progress of life assurance. The very principle
upon which the business is founded is the removal of uncertainty,
and whenever that principle is counteracted in the slightest degree,
the people who would be the first to resort to its advantages are the
first to be deterred."—Times, July 11, 1850.

THE LONDON INDISPUTABLE LIFE
POLICY COMPANY.
No. 72, LOMBARD-STREET, LONDON.
TRUSTEES.
I. Campbell Renton, Esq., M.P. Richard Spooner, Esq., M.P.
Richard Manna; Esq., Q.C. I James Fuller Madox, Esq.
William Wilberforce, Esq.
DIRECTORS.
Robert Henry Forman, Esq.
John Hamilton, Esq.
James Fuller Madox, Esq.
John Matthews, Esq.
C. Octaviu.s Parnell, Esq.
AUDITORS.
;James Turner. Esq.
!David Henry Stone, Esq.

William Adams, Esq.
John Atkins, Esq.
Henry Augustus Bevan, Esq.
T. Thompson Bramwell, Esq,
John Dangerfleld, Esq.

George Cumming, Esq.
William D. Starling, Esq.

SECRETARY—David Alison, ESQ.
Barnum—Messrs. Spooner, Attwoods, and CO.
PADDINGTON LOCAL BOARD.
24, Connaught-terrace, Edgeware -road.
Rev. James Sherbold Boone, A.M., Stanhope.street, Hyde-park.
Captain Creed, Norfolk-Crescent, Oxford-square.
Charles Pemberton, Esq., Eastbourne-terrace, Hyde-park, and Lin-

coin's Inn-fields.
Thomas Jervis Antos, Esq., York-street, Portman-square.
George Y. Robson, Esq., Eastbourne-terrace, Hyde-park, and New.
square, Lincoln's Inn.

Secretary, Chas. E(agkton , Esq.

The POLICIES of this-Company, being INDISPUTABLE, form
Family Provisions and Negotiable Securities, for their validity is not
dependent, as in the case of ordinary Policies, upon the import of
previous reports and other documents.
Owing to this important improvement in the practice of Life As-
surance, the progress of this Company has been rapid from the com-
mencement of its business, and is steadily advancing.
Copies of the Report of the last Annual Meeting will he forwarded,
on application, to Solicitors, to whom Commission is allowed.
ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, Manager.

CATHOLIC LAW AND GENERAL LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY,
8, NEW COVENTRY-STREET, LEICESTER-SQUARE, LONDON.
The FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Proprie-
tors of this Company took place on the 25th instant, at the Head
Office, at One o'clock precisely. The following is extracted from the
report, which is too lengthy for publication :
During the past year no claims have arisen from deaths in England.
and but two in Ireland—one for 5001. and the other for 261:1.—making
together 7001., which have been paid. This is far below the expected
mortality, and is especially favourable, when it is remembered how
severely the life offices generally suffered from the epidemic of last

year.
The number of lives assured between the Ist of June, 1849, and
the 31st of Slay, 1850, was more than double the number issued in
the twelve months preceding.
Proposals were made for 138 Policies, amounting to 52,9631.25. 6d.:
of these 121, comprising 106 lives, were accepted for 45,1251. 6s.
Sixteen Policies lapsed, representing 6,0481., upon which 3201. 3e.
was received by the Company in the shape of premiums.
Since the commencement of the Company to the Ist of June last,
assurances were effected to the extent of 110,9721. 12s 6d., pro-
ducing in annual premiums 3,7321. I Is. 6d. Of these 54 lapsed,
amounting to 23,930/. 16s. 6d., of which the annual premiums were
7411. ls., leaving the yearly income on the Ist of June last equal to
2,9911. 15s. I Id.
Since last meeting loans were applied for to the extent of 17,7001,
but 1,1831. I Is. 10d. only was advanced.
The Directors were also highly gratified to report that within the
last four months they had considerably extended their business on
the Continent, having appointed, as Head Agent in France, Monsieur
de I'Etang, a gentleman of high standing in Paris, distinguished for
his integrity and ability in financial and in all assurance matters,
who, under the sanction and patronage of the Archbishop of Paris,
the Cardinal Archbishop of Lyons, and Monseigneur Parisis, Eveque
de Langres, has already within the last three months effected a con-
siderable amount of business, not only in Life Assurances, but in An-
nuities both Immediate and Deferred.
After various resolutions, approving of the Report, and returning
thanks to the Right Reverend Chairman, Bishop Morris, the Vice-
Chairman, Actuary, Secretary, and Medical Officers of the establish-
ment, the meeting separated, highly gratified at its present results
and future prospects.

BRITISH EMPIRE MUTUAL LIFE
AND FIRE ASSURANCE OFFICES,
37, New Bridge• street, Blackfriars, London.
Incorporated under Act 7 and 8 Vic., c. 110.
DIRECTORS OF FIRE SOCIETY.
Gould, George, Esq.
Low, James, Esq.
Mieri, Thomas, Esq.
Olney, Thomas, Esq.
Wilmshurst, Joseph, Esq.

Blyth, John, Esq.
Cartwright, Richard, Esq.
Cuff, J. Harcombe, Esq.
Cuthbertson, Francis, Esq.
Freeman, G. S., Esq.

NEW AND CHEAP EDITION.
AR D E N I N G
THE FRUIT, FLOWER, AND KITCHEN GARDEN.

By PATRICK NEILL, LL.D., F.P..5.E.,
Secretary to the Caledonian horticultural Society.
_ . _ _ _

Fourth Edition, Revised and Improved, illustrated with upwards of

60 Woodcuts,

Price 3s. Gd.

"One of the best modern books on gardening extant."—Loudon's
Gardener's Magazine.

" Practical gardeners and amateurs owe a debt of gratitude to him
for his excellent work on horticulture, which is now one of the stand-
ard works on the branch of science of which it treats."—Protessor
Dunbar's Speech in the Caledonian Horticultural Society.
A. and C. Black, Edinburgh ; Longman and Co , London.

ARGYLL SUBSCRIPTION ROOMS, Great
Windmill-street, St. James's.

This splendid and magnificent Salle de Danse has RE-OPENED
for the WINTER SEASON, with Laurent's celebrated and
unrivalled Band. The Rooms during the short recess have been
entirely re-decorated under the direction of G. F. Bryer, The Ma-
nagement beg to inform the Subscribers that they have concluded an
Engagement with Mons. BOULCOURT, from Paris, and Artiste
Attache to Mr. Strauss's Orchestra at the Baths of Vichy, France.

Terms of Subscription:—Six months, 5/. 55.; one month, IL Is
one evening, Is.

Doors open at Half-past Eight, Dancing to commence at Nine pre-
cisely. The Academy closes at Half-past Eleven.

CREMORNE GARDENS,
On the Banks of the Thames at Chelsea.
Open Daily at Three o'clock.
ONE SHILLING ADMISSION.
Children, Half-price.
Sundays at Half-past Four. No charge for admission except by
Refreshment Card—Sixpence. Children under Six years of age free.
Director, Mr. T. B. Simpson, Albion, Great Russell-street, Co-
vent-garden.
THIS DAY, September 17,
And TO-MORROW, September 18,
In addition to t'-:e usual Entertainments, a perfect repetition and re-
presentation of the Old English Sports performed before her Majesty
and Prince Albert, in celebration of the anniversary of the Birthday,
of his Royal Highness Prince Alfred, at Osborne, August 6. No ad-
ditional charge for admission. The Sports will commence at Four
o'clock, and conclude with a Morris Dance on the Platform by the
Ladies and Gentlemen of Herr Denlin's powerful Ballet Company.
First appearance of Signor Henri Zeleski, the Bottle Equilibrist.
Immense Success of Denlin's new Fairy Ballet, " The Origin of
Harlequin." New Groupings from the Antique. Dancing to
Borini's Band of Fifty Instrumentalists. Madame Antonio
will make her marvellous Ascent and Descent on the Rope amid
hurricanes of Chevalier Mortram's gorgeous Fireworks. Chattaway's
celebrated Brass Band.
a HE LATE LIEUTENANT GALE.
The Proprieiors take this early opportunity of intimating that this
Establishment, with all its attractive resources, is placed, for one
day, at the service of the Widow and Eight Children of the late Lieu-
tenant Gale, the aeronaut, whose disastrous and lamented fate is re-
corded in the public journals. Due notice of the Benefit will be
given, and the co-operation of friends is earnestly solicited.
In active preparation, a Grand Chinese Fete.
On Saturday, for the future, the usual entertainments will be pre-
sented, instead of the Bal al Fresco, and the usual charge for admis-
sion restored, viz., Is.
NEPAULESE ARCHERY GROUND.
Ladies and gentlemen can here enjoy the health-promoting elegant
exercise of the graceful bow, with the advantage of proper instruc-
, ion, gratis ! Shooting three dozen arrows before Five o'clock, Is. ;
after Five, 6d. per dozen Matches for Dinner, Wine, and a Prize
Bow are always open. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had of Mr.
Teetgen, Archery Manufactory, 164, Bishopsgate-street.
The Magic Cave—The Shooting Gallery—Burus's Cottage,
with Groups of Figures illustrative of his Works—Summer and
Winter in the Arctic Regions—The Maze—Statuary of the finest
Classical descriptien—The American Giant—The Log Hut of the Ca-
lifornian Gold Diggers—Ancient and Modern Groupings, by Duffel,
&c., &c.
Be it recollected, on Sundays, admission by Refreshment Ticket,
Sixpence.
Never were these delightful grounds in such high perfection
as at the present moment. Visitors to London should not omit a
stroll 'neath the shade of the lofty trees and amongst the variegated
beds of flowers at Cremorne. Everything has been done to render
this magnificent place of amusement worthy the most extensive
patronage.
The attention of the French in London is particularly requested to
this metropolitan ducosse.
The grand Bowling Saloon of this establishment is open free to the
Public.
N.B. The Mammoth Sycamore, the Largest Tree in the World,
in the River Esplanade.
A Table d'Hote on Sundays at Six o'clock—Half-a-Crown.
Cremorne can be reached by road or river for 3d.
A Boat leaves Battersea-bridge every Night after the Fireworks.

THIRTY-FIRST EDITION.
Illustrated by 26 Anatomical Coloured Engravinls on Steel.
ON PHYSICAL DISQUALIFICATIONS, GENERATIVE INCA-
PACITY, AND IMPEDIMENTS TO MARRIAGE.
New Edition, enlarged to 196 pages. Just published, price 25. 6d., or
by post, direct from the Establishment, 3s. 6d. in postage stamps,
THE SILENT FRIEND, a Medical Work on
the infirmities and decay of the generative system, from ex-
cessive indulgence, infection, and the inordinate use of mercury,
with remarks on Marriage, and the means of obviating certain dis-
qualifications. Illustrated by 26 Coloured Engravings. By R. and
L. PERRY and CO., Consulting Surgeons 19, Berners-street, Ox-
rord-street, London. Published ley the Surgeons,
: sold by Strange,
11, Paternoster-row ; Hannay, 63, and Sanger, 150, Oxford-street ;
Starle, 23, Titchbonn-street, Haymarket; and Gordon, 146, Leaden-
hall-street.
PART I. treats of the anatomy and physiology of the re-productive
organs, and is illustrated by Six Coloured Engravings.
PART 11. treats of the consequences resulting from excessive in-
dulgence, and their lamentable effects on the system, producing
mental and bodily weakness, nervous excitement, and generative
incapacity. Illustrated by Three Explanatory Engravings.
PART 111. treats of the diseases resulting from infection, either in
the primary or secondary form, and contains explicit directions for
their treatment. This section is illustrated by Seventeen Coloured
Engravings.
PART IT. contains a Remedy for the Prevention of Disease by a
simple application, by which the danger of infection is obviated.
This important part of the Work should Rot escape the reader's
notice.
PART V. Is devoted to the consideration of marriage, and its du-
ties. The causes of unproductive union are also considered, and the
whole subject critically and philosophically inquired into.
THE CORDIAL BALK OF SYRIACUM is exclusively employed in
treating nervous and sexual debility, impotence, &c., 11s. and 335.
per bottle. The Concentrated Detersive Essence, an anti-syphilitic
remedy, for purifying the blood in cases of infection, secondary
symptoms, eruptions, and the abuse of mercury, 11 s. and 335. per
bottle. Perry's Purifying Specific Pills, 2s -9d , 4s. 6 and 1 Is,
per box, a certain remedy for gonorrhoea, gleet, stricture, and
chronic inflammation of the bladder. Consultation fee, if by etter,
minute detail of the 'case is required: age, habits, and posi-
tion in society. it. Packets, with advice, to be had at the zeta-
bliskment only by which the fee, IL, is saved. Messre. Perry,
Surgeons, are in attendance daily at 19, Berners-street, Oxford-
street, andon. from Eleven till Two and Five to Eight ; on Sun-
day, from Eleven to One,

DR. LA'MERT ON THE SECRET INFIRMITIES OF YOUTH
AND MATURITY.-WITH 40 COLOURED ENGRAVINGS ON

STEEL.
Just published, and may be had in French or English. in a Sealed
Envelope, U. 6d., or post-free, from the Aathor, for forty-two

Stamps,
SELF-PRESERVATION; a
Medical Treatise on the Physiology of Marriage, and on
the Secret Infirmities and Disorders of Youth and Maturity,
usually acquired at an early period of life, which debilitate
the physical and mental powors, diminish and enfeeble the natural
feelings, and exhaust the vital energies of Manhood ; with Practical
Observations on the Treatment of Nervous Debility and Indigestion,
whether arising from these causes, close study, er the influence of
tropical climates: Local and Constitutional Weakness, Syphilis,
Stricture, and all Diseases and Derangements resulting from Ingis-
cretion. With Forty coloured Engravings, illustrating the
Anatomy, Physiology, and Diseases of the Reproductive Organs,
explaining their structures, uses, and flinctions, and the various
Injuries that are produced in them by solitary habits, excesses, and
Infection. BY SAMUEL LA'MERT, M.D..
37, BEDFORD-SQUARE, LONDON.
Doctor of Medicine. Matriculated Member of the University of Edin-
burgh, Licentiate of Apothecaries' Hall, London, Honorary Member
of the London Hospital Medical Society, &c.
This work contains an accurate and complete account of the
Anatomy and Physiology of the Reproductive Organs. It un-
fortunately happens that the unhappy victim of excessive indul-
gence and vicious habits, while suffering from their invariable con-
sequences, unwisely entertains a fear of applying to a qualified physi-
cian for relief. Shame and the dread so frequently, but erro-
neously entertained that these complaints are beyond the reach of
art, alike restrict him and prevent his seeking 'or assistance where
alone it can be procured. Dr. LA'MERT has taken the highest
medical honours, as his diplomas testify, and the great extent of his
practice for many years is a guarantee for his professional experi-
ence, which has reference almost solely to the treatment of these
diseases.
Published by the Author, and may be had of Kent and Richards,
51, Paternoster-row; Hannay, 63, Oxford-street; Starie, Tichborne-
street, Haymarket; Maan, 39, Cornhill ; Gordon, 146, Leaden-
hail-street, London ; or, free by post for forty-two stamps. from
the Author's Residence. 37. Itediord-senare Tendon.

STACK-YARD BURNED.
Early in the afternoon of Sunday last a fire broke
out in the stack-yard, on the farm of Hill of Coutie,
belonging to Charles Play fair, Esq , of Banchory,
while most of the family and servants were at church.
The fire was first noticed by one of the foreman's
children, who ran to its mother, crying there was a
fire in the haystack. She and one of the men were
the only parties on the premises at the time, with the
exception of the children, and they attempted to get
the fire put out, but it soon overpowered them and
spread with fearful rapidity, and in a very short time
the whole stack-yard was enveloped in flames, and
every stack (about fifty large stacks) destroyed. The
alarm ISOM spread to the neighbouring farms and
Coupar Angus, and a large concourse of people were
attracted to the burning, and rendered every as-
sistance they could. A number of water-barrels had
also been sent for from different farms, and they
kept up a good supply of water, although, owing to
the long drought, there was little, if any, to be got in
the immediate vicinity of the farm. However, by keep-
ing the walls and roof of that part of the steading
nearest to the flames covered with cloth constantly
saturated with water, the people succeeded in saving
the whole of the steading. All the grain crop was in
the yard, with the exception of a few loads, and also
all this year's hay, along with a few old stacks. The
crop is said to be insured. It is not yet known how
the fire originated. It may be mentioned that a
woman living in a house a little distance from
the farm, and who was among the first to discover the
first ignited stack, within a few yards of which the
cattle were housed, succeeded in liberating the cattle.
She had not been ten minutes in accomplishing her
praiseworthy purpose in getting the cattle beyond
danger, when she saw on looking behind her the entire
half of the stacks in the yard on fire. The destruc-
tion became complete, not a sheaf of grain being
saved. The amount consumed is as follows :
Wheat, 22 stacks ; barley, 12 ditto ; oats, 12 ditto ;
peas, 2 ditto ; and about 2,000 stones of hay. As we
have already said, it is not known how the fire origi-
nated, although the prevalent belief is that it occurred
with a child playing about the yard with lucifer-
matches.—Perthshire Courier.

[ADVERTISEMENT.I—A dangerous Case of Erysi-
pelas, attended with Swel ing and Inflammation, cured by Hol-
loway's Pills and Ointment.—Extract of a letter, dated East
Kiel, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, October 8, 1845 :—" I beg to an-
nounce to you a most wonderful cure wrought upon myself by
your pills and ointment. I had a very severe attack of erysi-
pelas in my right foot and ankle, with swelling and inflamma-
tion to an alarming extent. I was unable to move without the
assistance of crutches. I consulted an eminent physician to
no purpose. However, in less than two weeks, by the use of
your ointment and pills, I was cured, to the surprise of all who
knew me. Signed, Joseph Gildon, a farmer."—Sold by all
Druggists and at Professor Holloway's Establishment, 244,
Strand, London,.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.

READING, GUILDFORD, AND REIGATE.
The adjourned half-yearly meeting of this company
was held at the offices, 2, Royal Exchange-buildings,
yesterday ; Mr. Gerrard (a director) in the chair.
After the usual preliminaries,
The CHAIRMAN said he had much pleasure in in-
forming the proprietors that the company had received
their dividend from the South-Eastern Company, and
the money would be distributed among the share-
holders forthwith, perhaps in a week. He had to
apologise for the chairman of the company (Alderman
Salmons) not being present that day, on account of
his being detained in Germany on business ; but he
had desired him to state to the meeting that had he
felt any uneasiness at the present position of the com-
pany, he should have been there; but be considered
the late proceedings in the Court of Chancery as
utterly futile and abortive. He (Mr. Gerrard) was
not aware that he could say more on the subject than
what they had seen themselves in the reports of what
took place before the court, and the result of which
was, that the injunction sought was not granted.
But certainly that result might have taken place in
terms rather more flattering to the justice of their
cause ; for Lord Langdale spoke much of counter
1 equity, as if their cause was not good, except for that
counter equity. In all law proceedings there must
be more or less of uncertainty; but he could assure
them that their legal advisers (and there were none
better to be found in the world) were still as firm
and confident as ever in the conviction that their
lease was valid, and nothing on earth could disturb
it.—(Hear, hear.) Having said this much, and the
money being put in the company's hands to pay the
present dividend, he would now call on the secretary
to read the general account up to the present time,
and then they could go on with the resolutions
for carrying on the business of the day.
The SECRETARY then read the statement of accounts
up to the 2d inst.; from which it appeared that on
the capital account there had been expended
800,0001., and received 799,3241., leaving a balance
of 6761. to be received. The revenue account showed
that the receipts for the half-year from the South-
Eastern Company amounted to 19,9021. ls. Bd., of
which 3,174/. 14s. 2d. had been expended for interest
on bonds, leaving 16,7271.75. 6d. applicable for divi-
vidend, which at .51 per cent. would absorb 15,9891.
16s. 4d., leaving a surplus of 7371. 1 ls. 2d.

The CFIAIRMIN then moved that the report and the
statement of accounts just read be received and
adopted.
Carried unanimously.

Resolutions, declaring a dividend of 51 per cent.,
less income-tax, on the paid capital, and for changing
the periods of holding the two half-yearly meetings to
March and September, were then submitted to the
proprietors, and unanimously adopted.
In reply to a question from a shareholder,
The CHAIRMAN stated that, under a resolution of
the proprietors, the directors would continue to re-
ceive 1,0001. annually for their services, and that 3001.
would continue to be allowed them by the South-
Eastern Company for the management of the office of
the Reading, Guildford, and Reigate Company.
A short discussion relative to the legal proceedings
now pending with regard to the lease to the South-
Eastern Company then took place, in the course of
which the Chairman intimated that the litigation was
instituted by a private individual, who was formerly a
director in the South-Eastern Board, and the ground
of objection alleged against the lease was, that the
Act did not allow this company to grant or the South-
Eastern Company to take a lease of this line. It was
sought by a mere legal quibble to upset an honour-
able agreement between men of business ; but even if
the decision was unfavourable to this company (of
which he had no fear), the South-Eastern Company
would be bound in equity and justice to adhere to the
bargain which they had solemnly entered into. The
board of this company and the South-Eastern board,
be was happy to say, cordially co-operated in resist-
ing this attempt, dictated by personal feelings, to dis-
turb the existing lease.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the
business.

'locomotive repairing shops there are being completed
according to the original plan. Sixty new houses for
the workmen were built last half-year. The report
of Mr. Barlow, the engineer-in-chief of the company,
shows that the line from Ashford to Hastings and
St. Leonard's will be completed in three weeks,
and that the principal portion of the line from Tun-
bridge Wells to St. Leonards may be opened in three
months. The directors look forward anxiously to the
completion of these works as the most important step
toward closing the capital account of the company. The
public sales of surplus property have already been satis-
factorily made, and the directors will proceed to dispose
of the remainder as circumstances permit. The amount
remaining at the credit of the account for the renewal of
permanent way, locomotive and other stock, now amounts
to the sum of 39,6571. 45.:6d., after charging that account
with the sum of 5,4011. 12s. id. for renewals effected in
the last half-year. The directors are inclined to believe
that the amount laid aside by the charge that has been
made against revenue for renewals is in excess of the
proportion that will hereafter require to be set apart for
this purpose; but it is satisfactory to know, that if an
error has been committed, it is on the safe side.
"In accordance with the resolution passed at the last
half-yearly general meeting of the proprietors, that all
classes of shares in the capital of the company be con-
verted and consolidated into capital stock at 30/. for
each share, and 101. for each third share, on and after
the Ist day of May, 1850, that consolidation has been
effected. The sum of 616,0001. of the nominal capital of
the company is thereby extinguished. That amount
may be looked upon as representing 244,504/. 6e. 2d. lost
by the issue of the original shares at a discount and the
sale of forfeited shares; and the sum of 371,4952 13s. 103.
in part of the interest paid to the proprietors of the Nos.
3 and 4 shares, out of those capitals respectively. The
sum of 371,4921. 13s. 10d. so extinguished is to be de-
ducted from 9,245,0291. 3s. 7d., the total expenditure of
the company, as shown in the annexed accounts, which
expenditure is thereby reduced to 8,873,5331. 9s. 9d.
"The present meeting has been specially convened for
,411 e, _purpose of submitting ttf the proprietors resolutions
to confirm, if they see fit, the resolutions passed on the
15th August last, admitting the Nos. 3 and 4 share-
holders to a participation in all dividends to be there-
after declared, including the dividend for the past half-
year. The amount of the balance at the credit of profit
and loss, 113,478/. 14s. 7d., will allow of a dividend for
the half-year at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum on the
consolidated stock of the company, after providing the
guranteed dividend at the rate of 4i per cent. per annum
on the preferential stock issued. It will be observed
that the dividend will be payable on the capital expended
on the Ashford and Hastings, and Tunbridge Wells and
Hastings lines, which are not yet opened for traffic. The
injunction granted by the Court of Chancery to restrain
the company from paying a dividend until the Ashford
and Hastings line is open for public traffic will make it
necessary that the resolution declaring a dividend should
make it payable after that event has occurred.
" At the lase half-yearly meeting of the company the
following resolution was passed:—' That a register of
the shareholders of the company, with the amount of
shares or stock they individually hold, be made up and
published annually, and that every shareholder be en-
titled to have one upon payment of Is.' 'The time has
not yet arrived at which it would be necessary to act
upon this resolution, and the directors have, therefore,
the opportunity of submitting, for the consideration of
the proprietors, the inexpediency of publishing the
amount of stock held by each shareholder. The direc-
tors submit that this publication would prove detrimen-
tal to the general interests of the company ; and, in
order that the proprietors may dispose of the question
upon adequate notice, the directors will bring it before
the meeting.
" Since the commencement of the present half-year
the traffic has shown symptoms of further improvement,
which must be as gratifying to the proprietors as it is to
the directors, and looking forward to the Great Exhibi-
tion of next year, and to the completion of this com-
pany's lines of railway, and of those from Paris to Mar-
seilles, the directors trust that they may anticipate an
era fraught with greater success to the South-Eastern
Company than the past has been. No efforts shall be
wanting on the part of the directors to secure the inte-
rests of the company."
Then follow the engineer's and auditors' reports.
Voluminous statements of accounts are annexed to
the report. The revenue account for the half-year
ending 31st July last shows the total receipts to have
been 291,2461. 103. 3d., and the expenditure (includ-
ing rates, taxes, tolls, and Government duty) 148,352/.
25., leaving a balance to be carried to profit and loss
account of 142,894/. Bs. 6d.
The reserve fund account showed a total (after de-
ducting the expenditure in renewals for this half-
year) of 39,6571. 4s. 6d.
The returns showed the total number of miles run
by passenger, goods, and pilot engines to be 1,059,860
miles, at a cost of 3.3584 of a penny per mile.
The statement of the capital account showed the
receipts for the half-year to have been 504,7481. 10s.,
which, added to the amount received up to the 31st
January, 1850, makes a total of 9,206,0121. Os. Gd.,
leaving the balance overpaid to the 31st July last
39,017/. 3s. Id. The expenditure for the half-year
was 360,7061. 12s. 3d. ; which, added to the amount
expended up to the 31st January, 1850, makes a total
of 9,245,029/. 3s. 7d.
The debenture account showed a total outstanding
on the 31st July last of 1,418,9821., contrasted with
a total outstanding on the Ist February last, of
1,156,4321.

The return of rolling stock to the 31st July last
showed 134 engines (passenger ani goods), 224 first-
class carriages, 123 second-class ditto, 132 third-class
ditto, 38 luggage vans, 61 horse boxes, 64 carriage
trucks, 1 post-office carriage, and 1,132 merchandise
waggons (inclusive: of goods, csttle, timber, &c.,
waggons and bricks).

AWFUL EXPLOSION OF FIRE-

WORKS.

One of the most frightful explosians of fireworks
that have occurred in the metropolis for many years
happened yesterday at a few initiates before noon,
and speedily laid in ruins a large ataount of property,
besides seriously, if not fatally, injuring the proprietor
of the manufactory, and one of his men. A great
many other persons, some living many hundred yards
from the immediate scene of the catastrophe, were
badly hurt, and we regret to state that a lad, in the
progress of the engines to render assistance, was
knocked down by one of them, the wheels of which
passed over his neck and head, and caused his almost
instantaneous death.

The scene of this disaster was Weaver-street Spi-
talfields. The premises were in the tenure of Mr.
John Clitherow, an artist in fireworks, who carried
on an extensive shipping and wholesale business at
No. 13, in that street. The building in which the
explosion occurred was upwards of 50 feet broad, and
was erected at the rear of the private dwelling-house,
and divided into three or four compartments. One
was used as the mixing-house, another was termed
the filling-room, and one place, rather larger than
the two preceding, was used as a store-house, which
was filled with articles of the most explosive charac-
ter, including fire-balls used for battering or blowing
down stone walls, maroons, Roman candles, and
rockets. It appears that the first explosion happened
in what is termed the mixing-house, at which
time only Mr. Clitherow and one of his
men were at work. It is supposed that whilst en-
gaged at their dangerous calling some of the rockets
must have fallen to the ground, and that the force of
the blow caused them to explode. In an instant a
series of loud and fearful explosions followed, which
made a noise like the roar of a park of artillery. At
the same time some hundred rockets shot through
the roof and ascended many feet above the house-
tops, whilst two men, who have since been ascertained
to be Mr. Clitherow and one of his workmen, were
blown out of the building into the yard. They were
immediately dragged away. Two young men, named
William Cawood and John Elfenbein, had climbed
over the back wall in the hopes of rendering assist-
ance, when another and a still louder explosion than
the first happened, and some score of fire .balls and
maroons rose to a great height, showering their con-
tents in every direction. Houses nearly a quarter of
a mile distant suffered severely, whilst some buildings
nearer were partially riddled, the furniture destroyed,
and the occupants thrown into an indescribable state
of alarm. The two men who had thus volunteered
their assistance were obliged to lie down in order to
allow the combustibles to fly over their
heads, but one was notwithstanding severely
injured by a fire-ball striking his knee-cap.
The noise occasioned by the second explosion
had scarcely subsided when the contents of the store-
room became ignited. This part of the factory was
in a line with the backs of the houses in Weaver-
street, whilst Buxton-street bounded it on the other
side. New Church-court and another alley, termed
Weaver's-court, ran between the factory " and the
houses further off. But although those buildings so
closely surrounded the manufactory they proved of
little avail in preventing injury and destruction from
extending. When the third explosion, which is de-
scribed to have been in the magazine as well as the
store, occurred, the houses in Weaver-street, Spicer-
street, Buxton-street, and New Church-court were
shaken to their very foundations; window-frames:were
forced from their bearings, the roofs broken in, and
the furniture thrown into the utmost disorder or bro-
ken into fragments. The force of this third explo-
sion was so severe that nearly every window in All
Saints' National School was forced in and the glass
shivered in all directions. In the lower school-room
there were 113 infants in the gallery, and a great
many of whom were forced down, but with the excep-
tion of a few slight cuts, occasioned by the shower of
broken glass, escaped unhurt.
When the explosions had subsided, the manufac-

tory broke out into a general mass of fire, which at
one time threatened destruction to Mr. Dew's timber-
yard and carpenters' workshops. Fortunately, the
engine belonging to Messrs. Trueman and Hanbury,
the brewers, two of the parish, several of the Lon-
don Brigade, and West of England Company quickly
attended, and owing to the exertions of all present,
the flames were prevented from extending beyond the
factory.

The moment the fire was extinguished the firemen
commenced an inquiry with a view of ascertaining
the extent of the mischief done ; but some time must
elapse before the whole of it will be known. The
following damages were ascertained :—The premises
of Mr. Clitherow, used as the firework factory, blown
down, the contents consumed, and piivate residence
very extensively damaged, the roof being displaced,
window-glass demolished, and furniture much broken.
About twenty houses belonging to Mr. Dew, the
builder, in Buxton-street, are very severely damaged.
The major portion of the large sheets of plate-glass
in the goods depot of the Eastern Counties Railway
in St. John-street, a long distance off, is demolished.
All Saints' National School and the church are
seriously injured, especially the former building, as
scarcely a window is left entire. Numbers 10, 11, 12,
13, and 14 in Spicer-street, have the windowsVorced in,
the roofs broken, and the furniture of the occupants
destroyed. Numbers 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 18,
in Weaver-street, are similarly damaged. On the
other side of the same street, the houses numbered 1,
2,3, 4,5, and 6, are extensively shattered and the
furniture broken. The Spitalfields Catholic Schools
have also received material injury, but none of the
children were hurt. The silk works of Mr. Jeffrey,
in front of the factory, have also sustained great
damage, and so has the stock•in-trade. The whole
of the windows in Mr. Dew's carpenters' workshops
are demolished,and the roof of his painters' shops forced
in. Nearly the whole of the houses od the north side of
Spicer-street are also more or less injured. In fact,
as far as the eye can reach, nothing but broken glass
and roofs displaced can be seen. Mr.. Harris, one of
the inspectors of the H division, has lost a consider-
able deal of property, and his son, who was lying ill
in bed, had a narrow escape with his life. Almost all
the occupants of the above houses were thrown down,
but happily, with one or two exceptions, they re-
ceived only trifling injuries. Mr. Clitherow and his
workman, John Wheeler, have been removed to the
London Hospital, where they remain in a state of
great suffering.
At nine o'clock last night a number of inhabitants
of houses in Weaver-street, let out each to several
families, were standing in the street afraid to return
to their homes lest in the shattered state of the pre-
mises they should fall upon them. The greater part
of their humble furniture had been broken to pieces,
the ceilings thrown down upon their beds, and every-
thing of a brittle character destroyed. We also
learned that the whole of the skylights which covered
the workshops belonging to Messrs. Link and Sons,
musical-string makers, were forced out at the time
twelve young women were at work under. The
glass fell upon and severely cut several of them. Some
idea of the force of the explosions may be formed
when it is stated that one of Mr. Dew's workmen was
blown from a stack of timber into a sawpit, and Mr.
Reynolds, the high constable of the Tower Hamlets,
who was as far distant as the Commercial-road, dis-
tinctly felt the earth vibrate under him. Mr. J.
Cousins, of Fleet-street, Spitalfields, is the owner of
several houses in Weaver-street, and the destruction
to his property is very great. The buildings were all
insured against fire in the Sun office, but the policies
of insurance state that the company will not hold it-
self responsible for any loss occasioned by explosions.
It has been ascertained that the youth who was
killed by the engine was in the employment of a
merchant in the city.

MR. GORHAM AT BRAMPFORD
SPEKE.
FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
BRAMPFORD SPEKR, SUNDAY AFTERNOON.—This
being the day appointed for Mr. Gorham to preach
the first sermon in his own church, great interest and
anxiety prevailed to see Mr. Gorham and to hear him
preach. Bramford Speke is distant about five miles
north-east from Exeter. I got up at an early hour
and wandered along from the city of Exeter till I
arrived at the church. The walk from the city
along the Crediton-road is one of the most romantic
walks in Devon, or, perhaps, in England; there
is the carriage-road and a foot-path. The foot-path
is cut out of the bank or siding, and in some
places it ascends ten or more feet above the carriage-
road ; then a quarter of a mile level, then descends
undulating, till you come on a level with the carriage
road, near to the railway-bridge; which crosses the
Bristol and Exeter Railway. Along this foot-path
there is a noble line of oak, beech, elm, and ever-
green pine trees, and here and there are seen large
trunks of oak and pine trees literally covered with
ivy. While walking here you are shaded from the
sun, from the east wind, and you can see below vehi-
cles of every description pass perpendicularly below
you. On the left is the Bristol and Exeter Railway,
and a few yards from it is the river Ex,
gently flowing on the rich fields and fertile meadows,
with herds of cattle and flocks of sheep feeding on
its banks. I crossed the railway-bridge, then came to
Cowley-bridge. From this the traveller sees Cowley-
house, an elegant mansion of modern architecture.
The present occupier is Mr. Shepherd, an Exeter
merchant. This house commands a most interesting
view, is protected by well-trained and gigantic trees.
On my applying for an order to view the grounds,
the proprietor courteously gave instructions to
his gardener to show me everything. I
was tempted to go inside, and my eyes
were dazzled with flowers. There is a hot-house,
hot-beds, flower-garden, kitchen-garden, green-house,
full of rare and foreign plants; the most interesting
part of the grounds is the shrubbery near to the
water-side. There are several walks, well-thatched
summer-houses, majestic trees, deep pools in the
river swarming with fish, six or more swans moving
along like phantoms—to me this scene was replete
with delight, though I was surrounded by roads and
highways, by a railway constructed by a
master mind, with its trains careering to and
fro—here in this lonely spot, this poetic,
this fairy sylvan retreat, in which a man could find
a few moments to breathe from the busy scenes of life.
On leaving these delightful grounds, whose owner's
liberal example it would be well that the Duke of
Athol should follow, I turned to the right and pro-
ceeded along till I came to Pyne, the seat of Sir Staf-
ford Northcote. I was told by a venerable old lady
who keeps the lodge, that I might go through the
park, which I did. I passed Pyne House on
the north. The noble owner of these grounds
and house is in the 89th year of his
age. I could now perceive by the number of people
moving onwards, that I was not far from Brampford
Speke church. I arrived there exactly at half-past
two o'clock in the afternoon. The doors of the
church were shut till within a few minutes of
three o'clock ; on opening the doors there was a
rush to obtain seats. I made up my mind not to go
far from the door, as the church would not contain
half the number of people that were outside.
Several ladies fainted, and were obliged to
be removed, scent-bottles were in requisition, hand-
kerchiefs were used for fans. Just as the clock had
finished striking three, Mr. Gorham entered the
church in the deepest and most solemn silence. The
primitive choir, who were stuck up in a little gallery,
commenced singing the Evening Hymn, and the
rough voices of the bold peasantry joined in the
chorus. All that is wanted to make it a most in-
teresting and delightful country choir is a few more
female voices. After the usual formal prayers were
gone through, Mr. Gorham read the certificates
from Sir H. J. Fust empowering him to preach.
He read the text from St. James, chapter Ist,
and part of the 21st verse, " Receive with meekness
the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls,"
from which he preached, in my humble opinion, a very
good sermon, plain and simple. The whole service
was conducted with the solemnity and respect which
is usually observed in places of worship. On leaving
the church I asked a countryman if he liked Mr.
Gorham's preaching ? Ile replied, " Yes, he be a good
man—he preached a plain sermon, and that's
the man I likes," and I agree with this worthy
man. Mr. G-orham'e preaching is simple but impres-
sive. I suppose there never was such acrowdof
people seen at Brampford Speke since the church was
built.
On my return to the city of Exeter I am told
that the Bishop of Exeter preached also an impressive
sermon in the Cathedral to-day. Let the Bishop
preach impressive sermons there, and Mr. Gorham
good and'sin3ple ones at Brampford Speke, and, per-
haps, some good may come out of all this contention.
There were at least twenty gentlemen of the press
present—not reporters—but gentlemen who are in
the habit of writing in the first person plural. Among
them I saw Mr. Latimer, the Bishop's terrificator.