Star.
London, England, 1826-08-19 00:00:00

SHAFTESBURY PETTY SESSIONS.

Tuesday, a farmer of the name of 149 t, of Melbury,
was brought up before the Magistrates, for refusing to
pay their wages to his reapers. The excuse he made
was, that he did not approve the measurement, although
the poor men had gone to the expense of employing a
regular measurer. The Magistrates inquired if he had
taken Cm like means of ascertaining the quantity. He
confessed he had not, and offered some other fi ivo-
lous excuse.

The Chairman, Mr. 8LA1114012, sharply reprimanded the far-
mer, urged the loss of time to the poor men as 'a most cruel hard-
ship, and insisted on the ninney being instantly paid.
Robert Hill, the owner of a small piece of ground at
Bourton, seven miles distant from Shaftesbury, was
brought up by the overseers for refusing to pay nine.
pence for poor's rate. lie was ordered to pay it before
he left the Court, with the expenses. The fees to the
clerk amounted to sc.
CAUTION to COSMOS CA nanßs.—Several persons were clnvicted
at these Sessions, in mitigated penalties, for suffering dugs to ac-
company their carts without being tied up, contrary to the enact-
ments of the General Turnpike Act.

OYSTER CAUSE.—A speculation, Which had for its
object the naturalization of the o> stern of Cancale, in
the Mediterranean, was some time since entered into by
NI. Bouffey, a rnereant of Marseilles. Nothing was
neglected to secure the success of this undertaking.
Three hundred thousand oysters were purchased by
direction of the agent ; they were put on board the ship
St. Jean Baptiste, in order that they might he tran •
ported to Marseilles. The most careful and minute
precautions were t !ken, according to custom, to pre•
vent the shells from crushing each other. The packing
was made in boxes which admitted tie sea water from
time to time, to keep them fresh. The administrative
authorities encouraged the attempt. A Parc en mer
was set apart to receive the ocean colony, and much
speculation ensued on the probable effect which it would
produce
on the civilization of the country. After a
quick passage, when the pert of Marseilles was
almost in sight, a gale drove the vefs.:l over to the
coast of Africa, where the hot breezes prevail, and
death extended his ravAges among the testaceous race.
In the meantime the speculator had insured his cargo
for 19,300 francs, at a premium of a quarter per ce
for the arrival of the oysters in a good state ot preser-
vation. Being compelled to pay for the bad success
and the funeral expenses, the underwriters, atter infer
!nations taken respecting the circumstances, entered an
action against the speculator for the recovery of the
amount paid by them. He, before he entered upon his
own defence, commenced a prosecution against his oppo-
nents for defamation, in having attempted to tarnish
the glory of his enterprise, by accusing him of a fraud,
robbery, and concealment. Eventually the Tribunal
of Commerce of Marseilles condemned the Underwriters
to pay the som insured, deducting at the same time 32
per cent. for discount. The cause was carried by ap-
peal before the Court of Aix, but after a long and pa.
tient hearing, the Court confirmed the decision of the
.inferior Tribunal.

• - POLICE INTELLIGENCE. - .

MANSION-HOUSE.

Fatuous RATE or STEASE BOA TS.—A complaint was preferred
by Captain Rowland and Captain Ludlam against the Earl of
Liverpool steam•vessel.
It was stated, that a few days since the steam-vessel In question
went down the river; at the rate of nine miles the hour, through
the pool. The consequence of this rapid rate of going was to occa-
sion a great and sudden surf, which put the lives of all those who
were in small boats in imminent danger. The loaded craft, and
the property in it. was also endangered; one barge bad been sunk.
The small busts on shore were lifted up and suddenly thrown
down again, and their bottoms were broken by the shock. Regu-
lations were made for the rate of these vessels, which were not
attended to..—The ease was heard at great length.
The Loan Maros said he should order an indictment in the
next case which came before him ; and be requested the Harbour
Masters to keep a look out for the evidence. It would be requisite,
neat Session of Parliament, to apply for an Act regulating the
steam-boats in a similar manner to stage-coaches, and rendering
them liable to a penalty like that for furious driving.