The Sun.
London, England, 1845-03-18 00:00:00

By the ConortEn—That man was Richard Grimes, and he
Was killed.
By a juror—The object of tying the sacks round the box
and pipes was to prevent the steam from condensing, as the
boiler was in the open air.
By a juror—The engine-driver employed was a man named
Whitcombe, who is in the hospital, and not yet fit to he
removed. _

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF LORDS, March 17.
The, LOP.D CHANCELLOR took his seat upon the Wool-
sack at Five o'clock.
TEMPERANCE.
. The Bishop of CHESTER presented a petition from
hiS diocese, in favour of temperance.
The Earl of RADNOIt rr,'..s.entetl two petitions from
:lelfast, to the same effect.
GAME-LAWS.
The NOBLE EARL also presented a petition from De-
vizes, praying for an alteration in the game-law.. The
Noble Earl' said he was gratified to see that It Select
Committee had been appointed by the other House to
tnquire into the subject. .
CONSOLIDATED FUND BILL.
This Bill was real a third time and passed.
BASTARDY LAW.
. -
The .Earl—of 'RADNOR presented two Ftitions,
praying their Lordships to amend the present law of
bastardy.
The N oBLE EARL, at the same time, introduced a Bill
to repeal the law passed in the last session of Parliament
on this subject, except that part which repeAed the
clauses of the former Bill.
POST- OFFIC E.
The NOBLE EARL also brought in a new Bill relating to
the stoppage of letters in the Post-office. The Bill was
read a first time, and ordered to be read a second tine on
the 17th of April.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLMASTERS—SCOTLAND.

Peter Kryer—l am an engine-keeper, and have been em-
ployed for two or three months by Mr. Sammie. I have
been employed on this boiler to make it suitable for Mr.
Samuda's purpose. I did not see it tested before it was
fixed, but I saw it tested on the morning of the accident. I
fitted up the largest portion of the safety-valve, and it was
perfectly well done. I did not see anything imperfect in it:
By the foreman—l did not measure the diameter of it; I
seldom do.

By the CORONER—I cannot say exactly what weights were
used in this case. On the Wednesday morning I was not
working at the boiler. I passed it in going into the shop
after breakfast, but I observed nothing out of the way about
it. The safety-valve handle was on the side of the boiler
when I passed. It was on a rivet. I did not consider that
safe without some one near it, and I pointed it out to Mr.
Lowe, and asked him who had placed it there. He said le
had so placed it. When so placed it would prevent the
safety-valve from acting until the rod bent.
By a juror—l thought that a person should be constantly
near the boiler in that case to see how the steam went off.

By the CORONER—I left Mr. Lewe with it, and I did not
see more of it. I did not see a piece of wood. This might
be three quarters of an hour before the explosion took place.
I am certain I saw no piece of wood or boarding with a nail
in it near the place. I was in the workshop when the explo •
sion took place. Dir. Lowe said, "No harm, it's all right, I
know about it," when I told him of the handle of the lever on
the rivet. I tried the steam before I went for him. •
By a juror—l did consider it dangerous, and therefore I
went for Mr. Lowe. The steam blew off freely when I
tried it.
By the CORONER—I could see the steam blowing off front
the window of the shop afterwards. There was a leak in
the boiler when first tried, but it was of no consequence, and
it was all right when I was fixing it to the engine. I did •
not see any weight added by Mr. Lowe.
- Joseph Reid, Oxford-place—l am a pattern-maker, and
have been with Mr. Samuda for three or four years. I made
the pattern for the safety-valve, and the diameter was 4%
inches. The thickness of the valve was about 3-Bths on
each side, or all round. The valve-box was between•five
anti six inches in diameter. I make a weight to open the
safety-valve. There was a round ball, six-and•a-half
inches in diameter, weighing thirty-seven or thirty-eight
lbs. It was wrought nut cast. Mr. Lowe said "We will try
weights in the meantime." 'Mere was a weight appended to
the lever, but what it wall don't know. On the morning of
the explosion I was in the office while the steam was blowing
off. It was doing so freely. From 9 o'clock till the period
of the explosion, a quarter to 10, it blew off by its own agency.
The engine did not go well. Men were obliged to pull round
the wheels.

The Earl of MINTO presented a petition complaining
of the hied( quate salaries of the parochial schoolmasters
of Scotland, and of other grievances of that class. The
Noble Earl thought that the best way of promoting the
views of the petitioners would be to leave their case in
the hands of the Government.
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH said that the subject
had engaged the attention of her Majesty's Go-
vernment, and after the fullest consideration of
the sulject, they had eotne to the determina-
tion that the best course would be to have the
whole case inquired into by a Sel.tet Committee of the
House. Accordingly he proposed to move this evening
for the appointment of a Select Committee, and to-
morrow he would name the inembirs.
The Earl of MINTO expressed himself perfectly
satisfied with the course adopted 07 the Noble Duke.
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH then moved th resolution
for the appointment cf a Select Committee to inquire
into the saluric s, & of the parochial schoolmasters of
Scotland, which was agreed to.
The NOBLE DuKi-then gave notice that to morrow he
would propose the names of the Committee.
SOUTH SEA EXPLORATORY EXPEDITION.
The Earl of MINTO wished to put a question to
the Noble Duke opposite, to which he feared the
Noble Duke would not be prepared to give a
•,atisfactory answer. This question was—whether her
Majesty's Government had it in cent( mplation to
take any measure of itself to publish the papers con •
reeted with the late antarctic voyage, under the com-
mand of Captain Ross. That voyage had been undertaken
with the concurrence of the most seie-aific men in this
country and in other parts of the world. One of the great
objects of the expedition was to ascertain facts connected
with the magnet. The voyage and the expe.iments had
been conducted with the utmost skill, and had succeeded
beyond expectation: •It had led to the most curious and
important discoveries, and had added greatly to the ad-.
vancement of science. Her Majesty's Government had
very liberally contributed the sum of 2,000!. towards the
expenses of the department of botany and natural his-
tory. But the Government had done little towards the
expenses of the more important branch of the undertak-
ing, which was the anagnetical and meteorological de
partment. It had been in contemplation to publish
that part •of the observations at the expense
of the Royal Society, but the means of that insti
7utiott were found to be unequal to complete the -Work:
He trusted that after their Lordships had sanctioned the
expenditure of upwards of 100.0001. for the attainment
of this object, they would not grudge this expenditure of
2,0001. or 3,0001. to complete it. The Russian Go-
vernment, he knew, had acted with the most ju-
dicious readiness. Of the great liberality of the
French Government none could entertain a doubt, and
he did trust therefore that her Ms;esty's Government
ivoulti not b.: behindhand, but would fully enter into the
spirit, and carry out this object to its fullest ex'ent.
The Duke of WELLINGTON said that his attention
had not been at present called to the subject, and that
therefore he was unable to give a satisfactory reply.
But thus much he would say, that her Majesty's Govern-
ment were quite ready to give the fullest and most com-
plete information respecting the matter of the -Noble
Earl's inquiry.

By the CORONER-.—l do not know that there was any inter-
ruption to the blowing off the steam up to the time of the
explosion. I did not examine particularly the position of the
lever handle ; but I saw Mr. Lowe, before the time I speak of,
allow the steam to e cape. I did not at any time see the
handle resting upon the rivet. Mr. Lowe appeared very at-
tentive to the works in the coarse of the morning. I offered
no suggestion to him as to the working of the engine.
By Mr. Lowe—The pattern of the valve-box was old, am. ~
had been used before, but the valve itself and the casting of
the valve-box were new and according to orders.
By the CORONER—I saw a piece of wood near the boiler,
placed against the handle of the lever, but not below it.
Wm. Bain, surgeon—l was called to see persons injured by
the explosion of a boiler. They were all taken to the London'
Hospital. Wright had received a severe fracture of the skull,
extending from the one ear across the top of the head, to
the other. He also had received several bruises on
the body, especially on the right and lower side of the
chest. which had fractured the ribs. The right knee was
also d;slocated. These were the chief appearances. The
brain was lacerated in several parts. I examined the state of
the mouth and windpipe, and found the membrane' exhibit
all the appearances usualiy produced by steam or hot water.
These injuries were caused by the explosion, and had caused
death. The same causes—namely the explosion and the
concussion—had occasioned the death of the other two per-
sons also. _ _ _

The witness Chettle was recalled, and stated that of the
persons lying under medical tre;tment in the hospital, Whit-
combe, the engine-driver, was the only one likely to know
anything about it..
Mr. Lowe said Whitcombe was standing inside him at the
moment of the accident, and they were just speaking of stop-
ping the engine at the time of the accident.
The Coaos-...r. said that he should not put Mr. Lewe in
the witness-box, but if he chose to make a voluntary state-
ment, he might. It wouNi be taken down, however, and
might be used against him.
Mr. Lowe said he had no objection to answer any fair
question.
After some further desultory discussion as to whether the
inquest should be adjourned or no,
Burnend was recalled, and said that tke fires in the boiler
were very low. He did not see them, but he believed they
were very low.
Mr. Lowe—l do not believe that there were two shovelfuls
of fire on during the whole morning. I have called no wit-
nesses after hearing the statements made by Mr. Farey, by
Mr. Bell, and by Ur. Barnes. He thought these gentlemen
were mistaken in their conclusions. He himself had been an
engineer for 25 years. He had never had an accident before,
and he had never heard of a boiler bursting from a pressure
of steam under similar circumstances.

A juror said it was most important that Mr. Lowe should
have Whitcombe's evidence, and he thought the inquest
should be adjourned till that witness should be able to attend.

After some further observationsit was determined to ad-
journ, and Thursday, at ten o'clock, was fixed for resuming
the inquest.
The foreman Lowe had his arm in a sling, and his face was
slightly injured in several places. His escape may certainly
be considered miraculous, considering his position at the time
of the accident.

DARTMOUTH ELECTION COM-
MITTEE.

The Committee assembled at Eleven yesterday, and imme-
diately proceeded to business. The first witness called was
John James, who produced a deed purporting to be a
release.

Mr. Robson, Solicitor to the Admiralty, sworn—Saw a
letter from Mr. Somes's solicitor to the AdMiralty in De-
cember last. Got an order from Mr. Sydney Herbert in re-
ference to that letter, and took the necessary, steps to cause
the transfer of Mr. Somcs's contract to Messrs. Joseph and
Frederick Somes. Applied at their bankers', and found the
answer satiFfactory, and so reported to the .Admiralty. (This
witness proved the several other documents necessary to
validate the transfer.)
Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant WRANGIII3I—The deed
was executed on the 2Oi.h of December, 1844.

Mt. John llenry Luscomb, shipowner, sworn—Has one
ship in which Mr. Somes has a share; but has several thee
he has uo share in. All witness's accounts, &c., come
tlirough Mr. Somes's office.
Mr. Edward Sexton, solicitor to Mr. Somes, sworn—ls re-
lated to Mr. Somes by marriage.
The next question put to the witness was objected to by
the petitioner's counsel, and a long legal argument ensued,
and, at its conclusion, the room was ordered to be cleared.
On our re-admission, the CHAIRMAN said that the Com-
mittee had decided that the question could not be put.
The next question was in reference to the deed of transfer.
Witness said he made all the necessary inquiries as to the
state of the contracts; drew up a deed of release, and got it
properly signed and witnessed, tee., conveying the contracts,
!,hips, &c., from Mr. Somes to his nephews.
Cross examined—Received the deed back from the Ad-
miralty on the ICth of December; sent the deed down to
Dartmouth on the 17th.
Mr. J. 11. Scott, senior clerk in her Majesty's Paymaster-
Geeeral's-office, sworn—Produced ready-money bills, drawn
);‘. Messrs. 'Ackland and MeLeott ; the date of the last is the
ef January, 1845.
Mr Frederick &wee, nephew of Mr. Somes, sen., sworn
—Commanded the Sir Robert Peel ship for two years; is an
owner of ships also, the accounts of which were kept in his
uncle's office.. His uncle, a short time previous to his election,
said that he was going to transfer his Government contracts
and sell his ships to him (witness) and his brother, but the
amount had nut been then fixed; fur there is a difficulty
of ascertaining the value of such without delay ; the
value has been ascertained since the election, soma
time in the month of January. There certainly
was no understanding to the effect that if his uncle
should not be returned the sale was to have no effect—the
sale was an out-and. out bargain. When witness came of age
his fortune amounted to about 25,0001. His brother had an
equal share with him. Has since paid the amount of the
value of the contracts and ships sold him by his uncle ; paid
cash 10,000/. ; the remainder was paid by the two bills now
produced. Accounts were opened in his and his brother's
names with the Government for the contracts since the Ist
January, and had received payments, no portion of which does
he (witness) consider himself bound, either in law or in
honour, to pay' hi.s uncle. Was aware, before the election,
that he would be liable to a penalty for being a party to any
such understanding.
Cross-examined—Had no conversation with his uncle on
the subject of the contracts before last December. Did not
recollect that his brother was present at the conversation.
Cannot say that the proposal made any great impres-
sion on his mind, though it was not one of every-
day occurrence. Did not know what ships were
engaged, or on their voyage at the time of the proposal.
Could nut say that he then formed any idea of the probable
amount for which he was about to become liable,
but knew it would be something very considerable.
Believes that he was to pay the debts to his uncle
that were then due by the Government to him.
Did not know how many ships were under contrect. He felt
so much confidence in his uncle that he left the matter en-
tirely to him. (This witness underwent a long cross-exami-
nation as to the particulars of thii transaction, the amount
he was to pay, the ships he was to get, the liabilities; ex-
penses, tic.)
To the CHAIRMAN—Witness understood from his uncle
that the debt due to him by the Government amounted to
about 50,000/, and that this sum included the ships 'then
under contract. There were other ships that were not in-
cluded.

Thomas Baring, Esq., sworn—Sat as Member for Yar-
mouth at one time ; and was defeated on two other occasions.
Was a candidate at one time with Mr. SOmes, but it was not
with his (Mr. B.'s) concurrence.
Mr. Joseph Lackland, ship-broker, sworn—Has a partner
named M'Leod. Has acted for Mr. Somes, a< n., and
Messrs. Somes, jun. _ Had had conversation with the former
in reference to an assignment of his contracts with the Go-
vernment previous to the 17th December. Received instruc.
tions some time in January from Mr. Somes to make
estimates, but had some understanding about it be-
fore Mr. Somes went to Dartmouth. The estimates
would occupy some time to make out. The estimate was to
be of the money due to Mr. Somes up to the 17th Decem-
ber, and of the contract's then completed as well as those
then existing. The witness then explained the manner in
which estimates are made out, and stated the different pay-
ments made to the credit of Messrs. J. and F. Somas since
the 17th December, and that be never carried any payments
to the credit of • Mr. Somes, sen., after that day. Received
a notice from Mr. Saxton, cautioning him not to do so.
In hi 3 cross-examination, the witness said it was towards
the close of the month of February that he got instructions
to make the estimate, and not some time in January, as he
had Previously stated. It is not at all unusual for a
person, when tendering for a contract with another,
to represent himself as in part owner, when in point
of fact he was not so, but otherwise interested. Made com-
munications to the Messrs. Somes r,ome time in December
teen a
„irsme,
relative to the sums to be paid for some of the ships. Be-
lieves the t ransf,ertilko have
tle
Messrs. validßorges
fictitious one. !'pinks
didc certainly
get much
nntoute ha
of a bargain.

At the close of this witness's examination the Committee
adjourned to eleven o'ck ek to-morrow.

NORTH BRITISH RAILWAT.—We: hear that the
North British Railway Company contemplate making a
branch line to Dunse, from the main line at Bankhouse, or
Reston, and have appointed a survey to be taken irame-
diately,—Berzoich Advertiser.

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 18, 1845.

Bill, which was rt a l a first, and ordered to be read a
second titre.

The Fiscal Procurators Bill was read a second time,
and ordered to be committed.

On the motion of Mr. CLIFTON, the Blackburn and
Prcstor: Biq 11119 read a ,-.econd time, and
ordeiA tc• b. co 1. •

• Th(> Latmccst,m F•llth Devoffßailway was rtlad
ti ~e, ar.,l (?ommitted.
Mr. TI! )RN ELY the IV.,lverhamptori
Bill, r:‘ad a first time. -
Colonel ROLLESTON tn,o---d the snort!l reading of
the Sheffield arid -Newark Railway Bill. -

Mr. presente.l petitions against the Newcastle
and Berwick Railway. Bill, and the Newcastle and Dar-
lington Rai:wrty Bill.—Referred to the Committee. •
NORTH BRITISH RAILWAY.

The North British Railway Bill wtis then read a
second time.

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY.

_ . .
On the molon of Mr. BARRY BALDWIN, the
South DQvon Railway Bill wa: read a second time.
BERES AND HANTS RAILWAY. _

On the motion or Mr. GRIMSDITCH, the Bettis
and Hants Railway Bill NV:3K rtad a second time.
GLAS= o.v, PA I,;LEY, ANI) KILMARNOCK
RAILWAY.
This Bill Wi;•R also read a second time.
SEES OF BANGOR ANI) ST. ASAPH.

Lord CLIVE presented a petition from some.. place in
Herefordshire, against the union of the sees of Bangor
and St. Asaph.
SABBATH TRADING.

Mr. SHEPPARD presented petitions praying the
!Tense to adopt ntwures for restricting the sale of in-
toxicating liquors on the Sabbath.
TILE LAW OF BASTARDY.

Dr. BOW RING presented petiti.ns complaining o
the present law of bastardy.
THE POOR-LAW. •

Mr. BLAKE presented a petition from some place in
Ireland, praying that they miet not be forced to levy a
rate in repayment of the money borrowed to build uaion
workhouses.

An HON. ME-mm:11 presentel a petition from Corn-
wall against the sale of intoxicating liquors upon the
Sabbath.

SCOTTISH BANKING.

Mr. DUFF presented a petition from some place in
Scotland, praying that the system of banking in that.
country might not be interfered with.
PROTECTION TO AGRICULTURE.

Mr. H. }L presented petitions from Leices-
ter,hire, braying E'er protection to agriculture.
Captain PECHELL presented a petition from Duncan
Nl4lntyre, of Fort William, North Britain, stating that
he had given information to the Board of
Ordnance in consequence of which, the pecu-
lations of a certain barrack-master had been dis-
cov. red, that an inquiry had been made, and re-
stitution had been recovered by the, Government, but
that the petitioner had not been indemnified in con•
formity -mith the acts of William 111. and George IV.,
and praying the House to aff)rd relief.
Mr. Sergeant MURPHY presented a petition from
Cork, praying for an alteration of the criminal code ;
and ariolir petition, complaining of the opening of
letters at the Post efilt:e, and praying the House to in-
stitute an inquiry into the subject, and more particularly
into the opening of letters addressed to Thomas Slingsby
Dundombe, Esq.
Colonel .RAWDON presented a petition praying for
the repeal of all penal laWs affecting the regular clergy
of the Roman Catholic Church.
MARITIME LAW.

Mr. EWART presented .a petition, sign';d by 249 of
the ship-owners of Sunderland, complaining of the op,:,
ration of the present maratime laws, and prying hr
their modification.
THE ANATOMY BILL. _ _ .

Mr. MACKINNON pr a petition from the
inhabitants o .:',inryi,c,rot;gh agairsst-the AnAtomy Bill.

TOBACCO ISUTIES.

Mr. HUME pre!ientt,d a petiti:ll from the tobacco
manufacturers of Gia-gow, complaining of the present
high rate of duties on that article, and stating that if
these duties were not rt duced, they could not carry on
their trade, owing to the great extent and success of
smuggling, and that therefore if the Hous could not
en!brce the law, they ought to repeal those duties all-
together.
The HON. MEMBER also presented a petition from the
inhabitants of Montrose, complaining of the reduced
state of the proWs of thoe (ngaged in the shipping
trade, and praying for relief from the heavy duties on
shipping.
Mr.-MILES presented a petition from the agricultu-
rists of Somerset, praying the House for a mitigation of
the burdens which press upon aericulure, anti that it
would take their case into .consid, ration. _

Mr. BRIGHT presented a petition, from a place in
Buckinghamshire, against- the game•laws.
Mr. S. O'BRIEN presented a petition fr,im Peter-
borough, complaining cif agricultural distress.
NOTICES OF MOTION.

Mr. Serg ant MURPHY gave notice that, aftcr,
Easter, he would move 'for a Committee to inquire into
the Operation of the Act of the 17:th 'and 18th of
Charle4 IL, relating to the rating of mini►ters' money in
certain large towns in Ireland.
Mr. THORNELY gave notice that, in Committe on
the Smoke Prevention Bill, he would propose clauses for
the purpose of exempting iron works from the operation
of the Bill.

Dr. 130 WRING gave notice that be would to morrow
put a gnestion to the Gyvernraent, respecting the pm-
eh:math:in for the alteration of the currency in Malta.
• Mr. ORMSBY GORE gave notice, that after Easter,
he would present a petition, and bring the case of the
'Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway Company before
th, House, with a view to their proceeding with the
Bill in the present session.
Mr. SHAW gave notice that to-morrow he would
nominate the. Committee on the Atmospheric "Railway

system.
Mr. A,GLIONBY gave notice that he would short:
rnOve for certain returns relating to IsT,.nv Zealand...

COPPER DUTIES.

In answer to a question from Sir C. LEMON, "
Mr. PARKER said, that if he could not bring on his
motion with respect to the chpper duties to-night, he
should postpone his in. tion until the Committee on the
customs duties, after Easter.
JEWISH DISABILITIES BILL.

Sir R. H. INGLIS wished to know if the Right Hon.
Baronet could inform him when he would take the se-
cond reading of the Bill relating to the Jews ?
(Cheers' from the Opposition.)
Sir R. PEEL could not exactly state when he would
move the second reading-. The E-timates would be
brought on early after Easter ; and due notice would he
given of the second reading of the Jewish viabilities Bill.
He presumed his Hon. Friend would not object to the
first reading of the Bill. - -
Sir R. 11. INGLIS had no hesitation in stating that.
be would acquiesce in the first reading of the Bill. It
was u-ual in Bills being brought from the House of
Lords, that they should be mad a first time without
opposition. Within the last twenty years there had been
but three exceptions to this rule. Had the Bill origi-
nated in that he' v-ould- opposcd the first
ri ailing; h!it. as it fr..o 'louse. of Lo:d.s.

0t5144. :io.t.itg to pa.7s.
Si. R. ti,-n, Sir, that the Bill be read
a fir,t time now, and I wilt fix the second reading for
the 7 th.,4 Aprii.
The SPEAKER put the cpu,stion, and Sir R. H. Inglis
emphatically exclaimed " No l" amidst much laughter.
The Bill was read a first time.
SCOTCH POOR-LAW.

Lord DALMENY rose to pet a question with rein.-
ence to the poor-law of Scotland. The Ilouse would,
no doubt. recollect that a short time ago he had asked
the Right lion. Baronet whether it was the intention of
her Majesty to propose in this session of Parliament
any le,..olative measure for the amendment or alteration
of the poor-laws of Scotland. To`. that question he had
received a very courtetius, but re,t-a very definitive an-
swer(and he now wigied to ask whelher it was the inten-
tion of her Majesty's Government to propose any legis-
lative measure for the alteration or amendment of the
poor-law of Scotland ; end, if such were their intention,
at what period of the session such measure would be
laid on the table of the House ?
Sir J. GRAHAM said that notwithstanding the great
mass of business which had pressed on the attention of
his collegues and himself at the commencement
of this session, he could assure the Noble Lord that the
important subject to which his question referred had not
.been overlooked by her Majesty's Government ; but
he would venture to suggest to the Noble
Lord and to the House, that the interval of the Easter.
recess should still be given to them before they returned
a definitive answer. He would undertake that, on the
first day after the Easter recess, either he himself, or the
Lord-Advocate of Scotland, would announce definitivi,ly
the course which would betaken by her Majesty's Go-
vernment, on this subject. Whilst he was on his legs,
seeing the Noble Lord the Member for Dorsetshire, he
begged to say that he observed that a very important
Bill introduced by that Noble Lord stood for the
second reading on Wednesday next, namely, the Bill re-
lacing to calico print-works. That Bill was introduced
on the 12111 of the present month, and, as it had not been
in the hands of Members more than three or four days,
he hoped his Noble Friend, considering the extreme im-
portance of the subject, and the great interests involved
in the bill, would consent to postpone the second reading
of the Bill until :fter Easier.

Lord ASHLEY said he had been most anxious that
the Bill should ba proceeded with before Easter, but
with a view to the public convenience he would post-
pone it until Wednesday, the 2:nt_of April. He. must,
however, be allowed to remark, that he was astonished
that her Majesty's Government should hesitate to
affirm the princir,le only of such a measure as that--
a measure which went no further than to limit the
labour of children under thirteen years of age, below
a period of sometimes not less than thirty-six conse-
cutive hours.

The order of the day for the second reading of the
ealice-printers' Bill was then read for the purpose of its
being postponed until April 2.
AUCTION DUTY.
Mr. BRIGHT bagged to ask the Chancellor of the
Exchequer a q'ies ion with respect to the proposal of
the Government, as to the removal of the auction duty.
lie did so on account of a letter which he had received from
Haddington, in Scotland. The writer stated that it was
there customary for things not only to be sold free of auc-
tion duty, but by parties u ho had no auctioneer's licence, if
it were sold on the farm or the estate where it was produced.
It was stated to .be quite imoocsible, on account of the
small trace which we`' etarti Cr!, it coted .be vv;,rth
the while of parties to auction duty ; anti he
%ishod to ask %. befter int! Gt,vertuttent proposed to eon-
tiuffe ti••the produce uF land the particular and special
favour of being sold with-ut the licence of an auc-
tioneer ? If not, lie thOtight extreme hardship would be
inflicted in the. case of individuals placed in the same ,
situation as the person to whom he had referred. "
Tho CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER mint