The Sun.
London, England, 1816-05-22 00:00:00

TRINITY-HOUSE.

Mr. Btecu noticed the government of certain
light-houses, under the Northern Light Commis-
shiners, and the revenues arising to the Trinity
House from, a duty of Id. per ton on all vessels
passing those lights. There were:nine of these
Northern Light Houses, which produced 25,0001.
The Trinity House, had, 21 under their controul,•
and they charged various rates, front one half'-
penny to three. He made.various calculations, to
show- that the revenue 'must be enormons,, and
enumerated the different sources. Froth surplus
pilotage alone, within the last' five years, they
had received '36,0001.. Ile thought some re-
lief. should be given to the Shipping Interest in
this respect.. With respect to the Trinity Cor-
poration a decree of the Lord Chencelfoi North,
ington, in 1764, respecting their Charter, was
made, in which he observed, that they were only
supervisors, over their concerns. The Hon. Gen-
tleman complained of the manner in which the re-
venues had been expended in magnificent, build-
ings such ns the Trinity4inuse, and of their sub-
scribing to the publicloaus of the Ministers. He
wiot,..t whnt had become of 27,500/. re
maining in hand on the 31st of December.—
Though the revenues were large, amounting'
to 174,0001. the net income was very small, end
this was owing to the henvyexpence of maintir
ing the light-houses. Jwsome respects 10 per cent.
anti in others as high as 25 per cent,. were paid
for collecting the dues; this was sufficient to
create inquiry. The whole of the ports, parti-
cularly the out-ports, were very much interested
in the question. • The only benefit he knew de,
rived front the revenues was the great turtle and
venison 'teas s,.whir-h the few Gentlemen having
the maaagem'eat of the concern, iu common with
the 11,ght lion. Gentleman' (Mr. Rose), were in
the habit of partaking of. The northern 'light-
houses were conducted on a more economical plan.
He then moved for a Select Committee to inquire,
into the income and expenditure of the Corpora.
tion of the Trinity-house, and to report their
opinions. •
Mr. Rose admitted the House. had a contront
over this awl every other Corporation in the king-
dom. .With respect to,the erection of certain
light-houses , on the Isle of
•Mang a survey had
been made, but the expense was not such as had
been described. • In 1805 the revenue 'was
29,0001. in 1816 it was 60',0001. afteraying the.
charge far the lights, fete. The Right lion. Gen-
.
dental) defended the Trinity CoMpany, and stared
that their salaries amounted to no more than
10001. a year, the rest of their funds, which the
Governors had been accused of wasting, was em-
ployed in charitable purposes, in the support of
decayed masters, alms-houses, and in the educa-
tion of a great number orchildren.
Mr. BARHAM supported the motion.
Mr. W. SMITH did not Mean to impute blame
to the Trinity Howse Company for the election
of the Trinity House, The light-houses 'he:
thought were as well managed as they.eould be.
He still thought, however, as the funds out of,
which these expellees were defrayed were levied
on the trade of the country, that inquiry should
take place, to see if less money-would not do for
all these purposes, and the burthens on. the pub-
lic be lightened.
Mr, Cuttwart was in'favour of inquiry.
Mr. .13tadit said a few words in reply, and the
motion was afterwards withdrawn. "