Star.
London, England, 1824-04-09 00:00:00

COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL.

Yesterday a Court of Common Council was held for
the dispatch of a variety of important business, arid it
was numerously attended.

PROJECTED NEW DOCK AT ST. KATHARINE'S.
A Petition was presented to the Court from a great
number of wharfingers, and the occupiers of premises
devoted to commercial purposes in the Borough of
Southwark, and parts adjacent, praying that the Court
would aid them in their opposition to the Bill for the
intended New Dock, which was a measure fraught with
ruin to themselves and these dependent upon them.

Mr. Alderman LUCAS said this was felt to be a mat-
ter of the utmost importance to the commerce of the
City of London. He was ready to contend that the
applicants had not stated anything to prove the ex-
istence of a case of necessity, such as ought to be ma-
nifested before Parliament permitted such a measure.
In fact, in this instance, it was notorious that one-third
of the warehouses on the banks of the Thames were
unoccupied for want of business—(Hear, hear). lie
moved that the petition should be referred to the Bridge
House Committee to examine and report on the pro-
bable consequences of such a measure. If the project
got through the House of Commons, it was certain the
Corporation would be compelled to apply to his Ma-
jesty's Ministers for more money towards building the
New Bridge—(Near, bear!)
Mr. Melt, in rather a low tone, spoke of the exten-
sive compensation which would be required from the
projectors, if Parliament should adopt the measure.
Mr. Alderman BRIDGES said, the parties who under-
took the measure gave very strong reasons indeed for
the measure—reasons which he wished to see answered
by those who were immediately interested. He thought
the subject might best be canvassed in a Committee.
Mr. JONES observed, that it had been long loudly
complained that the Docks, from their distance, took
trade away from the City of London. It this com-
plaint were well founded, then the erection of a new
Dock so near ought to be supported as a measur e tend-
ing to bring back the lost business.
Mr. Alderman HEW:ATE said, the Bill onglit to be
opposed, on the principle that a n^w Dock was UMW-
cessaiy, and would be injurious to the commervial in-
terests and the public at large. The question was not
whether it would be for the public good that a !,arish
of houses should be pulled down, and forty acres ex-
cavated for Docks, or to give accommodation that
might be at present wanted, but whether such accom-
modation would be wanted shortly, vs-hen six Docks
were all thrown open, and in full ari.l free competition?
(Hear, hear). All those exclusive privileges which gave
merchants such offence would slotrtly cxi:ire, and then
he was sure that so far from addit: nral accommodation
being found necessary, there would be plenty of room
to spare. The Bridge-house property, it had been truly
stated, would be greatly affected by the measure, and
on that ground alone the Corporation was bound to go
forward and aid the petitioners, for never was there a
project brought forward with less-grounds and less re-
gard to the rights and interests of individuals.
A Member said, he should perfectly agree with the
worthy Alderman in the propriety of opposing the Bill,
if he were equally well satisfied that the privileges of
the Doc ks mentioned would expire at the time appointed,
but he mas doubtful whether those powerful bodies
would not obtain their renewal.

Mr. Alderman LUCAS said, that it was not fair to
impute the excessive charges in the Port of London to
the whan;:nger s. The Port charges and dues, if it were
* matter of such importance, should be given up by the
Corporation, and then foreign merchants would not have
so many inducements to go to the out-ports. After some
further discussion the motion was agreed to.
The Coal and Corn Committee presented a Repo, t of
the result of the proceedings in Parliament on the City's
Petition against the Hertford Union Canal Bill, and which
stated, that the clause proposed to be inset ted the t ein,
for securing their rights, had been rejected.
Mr. JAMES then brought for ward a motion to refer
it to the Committee appointed .o superintend the ap-
plication of the grant of 1,0001. to assist the Spanish
nation, t t inquire into, and report whether such sum
has been remitted to Spain, and to whom, and by what
means ; to which au amendment was made, by mating
several Resolutions thereon, which were carried, and
ordered to be advertised, (see pont of our Paper). A
copy was ordered to be signed by the Town Clerk, and
transmitted to the Spanish Committee.
A Committee of thirteen Members was appointed to
inquire into the best mode of arranging and carrying
into effect, in the Guildhall, a Library of all matter; re-
lating to the City, the Borough of Southwark, and the
County of Middlesex, and report thereon.