Star.
London, England, 1824-05-14 00:00:00

CORN AVERAGES.

Mr. CURTF.ISWed for a Return of the several persons viho
had made Returns of Saks 4f Corn during the six weeks previous
to the IA of ; also of the vamities of Whs..it and Curn sold
and resold at different markets in the Ilitydom specified. His ob-
ject in doing so was to detect some pr..ciices which were carded
on in those particular places, greatly to the prejudice of the fair
dealers in grain, and corn-growers generally. Fictitious sales and
re-sales were made, at nominal and deceptive prizes, so as to in-
fluence the striking of averages on which the Returns were made
to Government.

Sir T. LEXHBRIDGE seconded the motion, from a thorough
conviction that the evil was but too generally felt. He could see
no possible objection to. its being granted on the part of his Ma-
jesty's Government.
IIUSKISSON said he felt it would be advkable at least
to delay this motion. He was of opinion that no particular end
could be obtained by having the Returns of particular individuals
effecting sales, or of sales in some places only. Tito motion,
to be elite:nal, should embrace all markets where averages are
struck. In his oisicial duty, he constantly asked for the bills of
parcels to look over, and on inquiry they had been represented to
him as just and positive sales during the list six weeks. lie
was convinced, however, that there wire sometimes gales not bona
fide made, hot colourable and deceptive. What to do on the stab.
ject was rather doubtful,' because these ,-alcs had ail the appear-
ance of a real site, and were 4, ts•Chnic.lly. The dilficultreon-
sisted in devising means to rt;nudy the abuses which followed.—
He had taken the best advice from different quarters. but lie feared
it would be difficult, as long as the present system of corn laws .by
striking averages continued, and that the ports could only be opened
by tlic conformity of the six week,' report ro the letter of the Corn
lays, to devise an effectual remedy against the continuance of such
practices. These deceptive sales were of great injury to the dealers
in grain, front their rendering the state of the markets and prices
unsettled. The fair conclusion in his ruled was, that the average
wai now the cause of a gi•eat deal of eliMeulty and inconvenience,
both to the grower and consumer. He hoped the day was not dm-
xvllen the whole system would be revised, ;.11.1 he was Jid to
fi,ol that thane most interested in the trade, felt ahead with !tint,
rliat the Corn laws, like other comnrA-cial hies, should partake of
our improved and liberal principles, and the iincrc.surse in corn be
free also, subject only to an adequate protecting duty. Ile now
wan desirous that the Honourable :or the pi esent
widlra..v Ms motion, in order to give tliT! official p aSCIIS more
time to investigve the subject. Be was co f.. 1. glad of the motion
that it had afforded him an oppertraity to .espress his undisguised
sentiments on the subject.
Mr. Secretary YEIiL thought that it would hest suit the Ho-
nourable Member not to alarm Close of whose conduct he con'.
planted by a public aPpiication, but I.:anis% to the Executive the
names of such parties as werednvOlved in such factitious and it3;u-
ri.itis practices. . .
- Mr. CURTEIS would have no hesitation in letting Govt.:Aisne:3c
know such as he was acquainted with. In compitance with
suggestion just received, he' should f.:r the present withdraw
his

Mr. CO RTE'S then-riregented a Petition front the Owners of
Land at Lewes against the Bonded Wheat Bill. Laid on thin
CLERKS IS PUBLIC OFFICES.

Mr. S. WORTLEY also preseuteJ a Petition item
several Persons in Public Office, complaining of cliz
de-
duction of 51. per cent. out ti their !..ala: ies ti.r ti.e pur-
pose of forming a tuperannuation cl _tn.— _ley had Leen
always, prior to an Act piutaxlti,o year, a;.40, enti-
tled to superannuation without any !;t:cii Oeuuction ;
the Hon,qtr•ibls Member felt the Act alluJed t., ofas a
gicat gi ievance, as it was the re:w)n or flit tit, of Ere-
venting .these persons front layiwg out the 51. i,er tent.
ileducted.froM their salaries 1:,
their lives,• and dins providing in ca,e or dearii for tktir
lan.ilies.. He recollected with pleasure, that ia another
place a Noble Lord (t.'i,:iiioutti) had expressed nis
satisfacuou of tin Act of 1822, as contrary to the'idue

~'~'•t 4 ;.•