The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1839-06-07 00:00:00

ST. GEORGE'S HALL

The TOWN-CLERK said the council having approved of the
report on the subject of St. George's Hall, by passing the
report of the finance committee, it now became their duty
to elect six members of their body to represent the council
in the St. George's Hall committee.
Mr. HENRY HOLMES proposed Alderman Earle.
Mr. SHEIL.—The appointment of those six representa-
tives were of great importance, as they should be protectors
of the rights of the community. They should therefore be
elected in the way best calculated to get the candid opinion
of the council ; and, in his opinion, the best way of securing
this would be by electing them after the same method as they
elected aldermen. When gentlemen were proposed and
seconded, it might appear invidious to get up and propose
an amendment, though there might be another individual
that, in your opinion, was better qualified. He would move
that the votes for the six members to serve on the committee
of St. George's Hall, be taken in the same way as those for
the election of aldermen— that was by each gentleman
writing the names of the six gentlemen whom he thought
most eligible on paper, and handing it in to the mayor.
The TOWN-CLERK said in that case each gentleman must
sign his name to the paper.
Mr. MELLOR seconded Mr. Shell's motion.
Mr. ISAAC HOLME said it was of little importance to give
themselves the trouble, for he presumed the last was pre-
pared, and they all knew well enough who the six gentlemen
were to be.

Mr. SHEIL said he had not, for his own part, communi-
cated with any individual on the subject except Mr. Mellor,
and he believed not one of the council had thought of the
matter, or even known that it was coming on.
Mr. SMITH said he was only perplexed about one diffi-
culty : perhaps by the adoption of this method, they would
appoint some one who was already on the committee.
It was intimated to Mr. Smith that all who belonged to
the council had already retired from the committee.
Mr. HODGSON said he was glad to hear Mr. Shell uttering
a disclaimer against opinions which he had hitherto defended
rather warmly. He was glad to see him getting up and re-
pelling the insinuation that the gentlemen to be elected had
been determined on beforehand, and he hoped he would con-
tinue to entertain similar opinions.
Mr. SHELL was a great enemy to one gentleman pre-
suming to judge of the opinions of another. He felt dis-
posed to let each question be judged of it in its turn and on
its own merits, and thought he should be able to maintain
his opinion as well as other gentlemen.
The TOWN-CLERK explained, in reply to a question, that
the committee which they were now about to appoint six
members upon, would continue to act till the building was
completed. After that the committee would be elected an-
nually by the council and the subscribers. If any member
of the committee who had been appointed by the council
cease to be a member of the council, it would be understood
that he was to resign his office on the committee, and the
council would elect a gentleman in his place.
The members having handed their papers to the mayor, his
worship proceeded to read them seriatim. The following
gentlemen had the greater number of votes :
William Earle, Esq., 35 ; W. W. Currie, Esq., 30 ; Eyre
Evans, Esq., 22 ; William Rathbone, Esq., 20 ; Charles
Lawrence, Esq., 19 ; J. Hornby, Esq., 17.
Mr. C. LAWRENCE said he had been a very unworthy
member of the committee hitherto, and had withdrawn from
it. He was suffering from ill health, and, ere long would
cease to be a member of the council. Under these circum-
stances he hoped the council would permit him to withdraw,
and, take the next person possessing the highest number.
(No, No.)
Mr. EVANS hoped the council would indulge him to with-
draw his name.
Mr. RATHBONE also begged that he might be allowed to
withdraw from the committee.
Mr. BLACKBURN thought it was of great importance that
those who did serve should do so with full concurrence. He
had put this to Alderman Sheil befOrehand, pointing out to
him how awkward it would be if any member should be
elected who did not wish to serve on the committee.
Mr. SIIEIL said as. Mr. Blackburn had alluded to him so
pointedly, he must give the same answer now as he gave to
him when he made the objection. He thought gentlemen
ought to be prepared for the duties which they undertook be-
forehand. They bound themselves when they entered that
room to a particular line of duty, and they had no right there
if they did not intend to perform it. They had gentlemen
canvassing and using every endeavour to get into that room,
and when they were there they should perform cheerfully the
duties which devolved upon them. Mr. Chas. Lawrence was
the only gentleman who had offered anything like a good
reason, and he thought he might be excused. But he did not
think that the other gentlemen had any right to withdraw.
Mr. CURRIE said he did not hear Mr. Lawrence say that
he was unwell. He was happy, however, to congratulate him
on his looks, for he never saw him look better in his life.
(Laughter.) As to what he said about ceasing to be a mem-
ber of the council, that was by no means certain, as he might
be re-elected.
After some further conversation, it was agreed that the
election should stand as it was.
BEHAVIOUR OF THE POLICE.

The report of the Watch Committee set forth that an act-
ing inspector had been promoted to the rank of full inspector,
for his excellent conduct during the late riots.
Mr. ISAAC HOLMES said, as the report had alluded to the
conduct of the police during the riots, he would make a re-
mark on two on that subject. He held in his hand an ac-
count of the proceedings relative to those riots. He per-
ceived that, when Mr. Dowling heard of the riots, he went
to the carpenters and made a speech to them. Now, he could
not say whether this was a good speech or a bad speech. He
dared say it was a very good speech ; but, at all events, it had
not the effect of putting an end to the disturbances. Mr.
Whitty, it seemed, went about four o'clock, and he took
upon himself to arm the police with cutlasses. It was true
he seemed to have told the men not to draw ; but suppose a
brickbat had struck Mr. Whitty, would he not then perhaps
have told the men to draw—and what might have been the
consequences ? The police had no right to be so armed, with-
out the presence of a magistrate to direct them, and see that
they acted properly. The subject ought to be taken up.
Such a power was what no constable whatever had a right to
assume.
Mr. SMITH said it ought to be considered that there were
only a few hundreds of the police, and that they had to quell
thousands.
The TOWN-CLERK said the police had undoubtedly a right
to arm themselves to preserve the peace and quell a riot In

this instance they subdued the riots very speedily, by aid of
the weapons which they carried. If they had not done so,
undoubtedly the military would have been called in. The ef-
forts of the police had prevented the military from being cal-
led in, and probably prevented bloodshed and loss of life.
Mr. PLATT said he had unfortunately been witness to these
riots, and he could bear testimony to the admirable and for-
bearing conduct of the police. Under circumstances of the
utmost provocation they used the weapons entrusted to them
in such a manner as not to do any injury.

Mr. WALMSLEY said, if it had not been for the arms with
which they had been furnished, the police would have no
power over the mob. It would be remembered that the coun-
cil had sanctioned the use of weapons bkthe police, so that
the responsibility should rest with them. At that moment,
even, a quantity of arms ordered by the council were making
for the use of the police.
Mr. C. LAWRENCE asked if any report of these riots had
been sent to any magistrate ? Had the mayor received any ?
The MAYOR 'stated that he left the Town-hall at four
o'clock. At six o'clock he received a report from Mr. Whitty
that there had been disturbances in the south end of the town,
and that they had been quelled.
Mr. EARLE said the exemplary conduct of the police ought
to have secured them from the remarks that had been made.
Mr. I. HOLMES said he merely wished to express his opi-
nion that the arming of the police with cutlasses was unlaw-
ful unless a magistrate had been there to read the riot act,
and direct and restrain them. _ _

Mr. CASE said he did not know that any remarks ought to
have been made on this subject, except of unqualified and the
highest encomiums on the police for their admirable conduct.
Mr. CURRIE said Mr. Holmes had omitted one point which
he would find in the report. He had omitted to state that
the carpenters were armed with adzes and other weapons.
Mr- G. H. LAWRENCE.—They were sham ones.
The subject here dropped.
The report contained a statement that the goods taken from
thieves, and which had been advertised many times, and which
were still unclaimed, were to be sold by public auction. De-
sciptions of the various articles were to be retained, so that
the owners were to be dealt justly by if they appeared. The
proceeds of the sale to go to the policemen's charitable fund.
Mr. T. HARVEY asked if it were wise to let the stock ac-
cumulate in this manner, which gave the policeman a direct
interest in it, and, probably hindered him from making dili-
gent enquiry after owners ?
Mr. WALMSLEY said some of the property had lain by for
very many yeais, and had been advertised over and over again,
but was still unclaimed. The committee knew not of any
better mode of proceeding, unless they allowed it still to lie
by till it was worthless. If Mr. Harvey, or any other mem-
ber of the council could suggest any better mode, the com-
mittee would willingly act upon and adopt it.

MARKETS COMMITTEE.

The plans of the alterations in St. James's Market, and of
the appropriations in the different markets, were submitted
to the council.

The reports of the Markets' CoMmittee was read. The
Town-clerk read the report of the appropriations for the
various markets in the town, with reference to the plans
before the council.

It was stated that the present hay market would be dis-
continued on the 28th of February, 1840. .
Mr. CASE wished to ask a question respecting the appro-
priation for St. John's Market. He wished to know whether
he understood the plan correctly ; was the whole of Great
Charlotte-street appropriated to market purposes ? for, if so,
the whole thoroughfare was completely blocked up. It ap-
peared that Cleveland-square Market was the same.

Mr. HENRY HOLMES. said the cart road in both cases was
excepted.
The TOWN-CLERK said the effect of the appropriation as
they saw it in the plan, was to legalise the whole for market
purposes.
Mr. EVANS said it never was intended to appropriate more
than the flags. If the other part was coloured so as to re-
present the appropriation, it was that they might retain the
power, though the committee, of course, would never allow
the thoroughfare to be blocked up.
Mr. CASE thought, if the power were left open, the com-
mittee could not prevent some stubborn individual from
perhaps erecting a stall, or some other from putting down a
load of potatoes in the middle of the street.
The TOWN-CLERK said no person could use any part of
the market that might be appropriated, but as the super-
intendent might direct. He would suggest that the committee
be directed to preserve the thoroughfare for the use of the
public, and that the appropriation should continue as it was.
This was agreed to, and the reports were confirmed.
GARDEN COMMITTEE.

The report of the Garden Committee embodied a recom-
mendation that the use of the Abercromby Gardens should
be given to Mons. de St. Maurice, for a series of concerts.
Mr. &MIL objected, on the ground that such permission
would be an infringement on the private rights of those who
paid a rental for the privilege of using the gardens.
The TOWN-CLERK took the same view, and produced the
lease in support of his assertions. He informed the council
that the parties who held keys of these gardens had acquired
private rights, and the council could not grant the use of the
garden for concerts without their consent and permission.
It was ultimately decided that the resolution should pass,
subject to the consent of all parties holding keys.
TOWN DUES' COMMITTEE.

The following report of the Town Dues' Committee was
read :
At a meeting of the Town Dues' Committee, held the 3d
June, 1839,
Present—Robert Benn, Esq., chairman, &c. &c.
The committee having had under consideration the letter
addressed by Mr. Corrie, the receiver of the town dues, to
the Mayor, referred from the last council to this committee,
together with Mr. Corrie's application for further assistance
in his department, and also a statement showing the increase
of business since the year 1824,
It was resolved,—That in addition to the recommendation
of the 24th ultimo, of an increase of £5O. per annum to Mr.
Currie for the maintenance of his office, viz. of £l5. per an-
num to his first clerk, and of £35. per annum to his second
clerk ; a further sum of £lOO. be recommended to be allowed
for the salary of a third clerk, (this additional clerk giving
security to the receiver in like manner and amount as his
other clerks,) the committee being of opinion, that from the
great increase of business, such further assistance is requisite.
And the committee also beg to recommend to the council
to allow the sum of £B. per annum (a similar sum being al-
lowed by the Dock Trustees) to Mr. William Winstanley,
riding officer of the customs at Runeorn, for the assistance
rendered by him in the collection of the dues there, as set
forth in the report-of Mr. Jones, the receiver at Runcorn, on
the subject of Mr. Wilkinson's application for some remu-
neration.
Extracted from the proceedings.

CHARLES OKILL.

The report was adopted and confirmed.
DOCK COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of the Dock Committee were read and
confirmed.

Mr. DAVID HonGsoN said he understood that a memorial,
signed by upwards of 300 merchants, had been presented to
the Dock Committee, relative to the best mode of managing
the affairs of the Liverpool Docks. He wished to have that
memorial read, as it was a very important one.
Mr. BENN said it was perfectly true that such a memorial
had been presented to the Dock Committee, and it was now
in their hands. The committee was sitting every Tuesday
foi the purpose of hearing all the evidence that could he
brought before them on the subject of the management of
the docks. They were hearing all sorts of evidence, and in
due time they would report.

Mr. Hon6soN said they were very frequently called upon
to discuss subjects of great importanee, with which they were
but imperfectly acquainted, and to which they had not given
sufficient-consideration. He thought they ought to have an
earlier opportunity of seeing papers of this description. He
had seen this memorial, and it was exceedingly important.
He therefore wished it to be read.

The MAYOR said Mr. Hodgson must be aware that the
council had nothing whatever to do with this matter. If any
gentleman wished to see the memorial, his course would be
to apply to the Dock Committee, who might show it to him
if they thought proper.
Mr. BLACKBURN said if the gentlemen who sent the me-
morial were anxious that the council should have an oppor-
tunity of reading it, they could easily send a copy of it to each
member of the council.

Mr. HODGSON said he was anxious that the memorial
should get on the books of the council.

MECHANICS INSTITUTION.
Mr. WALMSLEY said he was instructed by the committee
of the Mechanics' Institution to invite the mayor and the
members of the council to the examination of the pupils of
that institution, which was to take place on Tuesday next.
The MAYOR said he should have great pleasure in attend-
ing. _ _

The MAYOR said he had been requested by the Rev. Mr.
North to invite the members of the council to attend the an-
uual procession of the schools.
The MAYOR said he had received the following letter from
Dr. Jeffreys.

Great Ceorge-square, Friday, May 10, 1839.
SlR,—Allow me to return you my thanks for the honour
you have done me by the letter I received from you on the
2d instant, relative to granting the use of the suit of rooms
in the Town-hall, to the Provincial Medical and Surgical
Association, on the 25th of July, which, together with the
resolution of the town-council, upon the same subject, I laid
before the local medical council of the association yesterday,
who have authorised me to convey the grateful acknowlea-
ments of that board, for the attention you have given to their
request, and the handsome mauner in which the town council
have complied with it.
We submit it to yourself, whether you think it necessary
to convey our feelings to the town council.—l have the ho-
nour to be, with due deference, yours, &c.,
Taos. JEFFREYS, President-elect.
To the Mayor, Town-hall.
The MAYOR read the following note, which he had received
from Thomas J. Hall, Esq.:—

• _
Liverpool, May 22, 1839.
Sir,—Just as. I was about to leave London for this place,
I received your letter announcing to me the resolution of the
council relative to my conduct as late stipendiary magistrate
of this borough ; I feel flattered by the opinion unanimously
expressed by that body, and beg to tender, through you, my
warm acktiowledgment. Permit me also to thank you for
your polite communication.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
THOMAS J. HALL.

To the Mayor of Liverpool.
The' MAYOR neat read the following memorial from the
conductors of the Northern Hospital :
To the Mayor and Town Council of Liverpool.
Oentlernen,--The committee of the Liverpool Northern
Hospital respectfully beg to lay before you the exigencies of
the institution, and earnestly solicit the renewal of a grant
of money made formerly by the corporation to this charity,
as, from the present extended sphere of its utility, it has now
a more immediate claim upon your benevolence.
The general benefit and advantages of the hospital are so
well known and appreciated, that the committee consider it
only necessary to advert briefly to the position of its re-
sources, and the inadequate support it has hitherto received.
On reference to the account for the past year, it will be
found that 1147 patients have been admitted, being 200 more
than the previous year, and all accidents ; and, in conse-
quence, that the expenses amounted to upwards of £2lOO,
whilst the amount of subscriptions from individuals barely
realised £lOOO, independent of fifty guineas subscribed by
the Dock Committee, and the annual vote from the parish.
To meet the expenses of the present year, owing to the in-
creased number of cases, it will require a material addition
to the funds, as the amounts received from donations, &c.
have very considerably fallen off. Under these circum-
stances, the committee, desirous of extending rather than of
diminishing the succour hitherto afforded, beg to express a
sanguine hope that the town council will be pleased to take
their application into consideration, and accede to its prayer.
I am, respectfully, gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
ROBT. B. ANDERSON, Chairman.
Liverpool Northern Hospital, May 7, 1839.
The report was referred to the Finance Committee.
A memorial was presented by the Mayor from Mr. James
Dawson, of Mount-pleasant. Mr. Dawson stated that the
late Mr. Henry Park twenty-eight years ago entrusted to
him the whole of his gratuitous vaccination. During that
period upwards of 28,000 of the children of the labouring
classes have received the benefit of gratuitous vaccination
by Mr. Dawson, the gentleman whom he has from time to
time selected for this important duty. The supply of vac-
cine lymph from this source has never been lost. The soci-
ety during the period mentioned has not received any pecu-
niary or other aid. The memorialist sets forth a detail of
expenses and difficulties with which the society has had to
contend, • and of important benefits conferred. The prayer.
of the memorialist is that the council will grant a small piece
of land on which to erect a building to be used as a house of
reception for the accommodation of the children of the