The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-12-20 00:00:00

1 WARRINGTON Muss

I month of

AND LIBBA.BY.—During the
1,121 visitors to the

November there were

Museum and Library. •
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.—On Monday se'nnight, a man
named James Woolbridge, an ink manufacturer, residing
in Hackin's-hey, Tithebarn-street, attempted to commit
suicide by hanging himself. From the wildness of his
manner his design was suspected, and the attempt was
frustrated.
THEFT OF SUGAR AT THE ALBERT WAREHOUSES.—
On Wednesday, at the Police Court, an old man named
Alexander Macdonald, who was employed by Messrs.
Mellor and Russell, as ship-keeper, on board the Golden
Fleece, lying in the Albert dock, was committed for steal-
ing about 31-lbs. of sugar from the vessel, and sentenced
to two months' imprisonment.
POPE'S JOURNAL OF TRADE.—The twenty-fourth issue
of this valuable vade mecum of mercantile intelligence
will speedily be ready for delivery to the public. Its
utility in the commercial world has been so generally re-
cognised, as to obviate any necessity for commendation, as
it has been looked on as an indispensable adjunct to the
furniture of every mercantile {office. Mr. Joseph Wade,
of Jubilee-buildings, is agent for Liverpool.

AN UNGRATEFiIi, RECIPIENT OF BOUNTY.—On Wed-
nesday, a man named Joseph Bartlett was held to bail
for an assault on Mr. Ashton, his brother-in-law, a gen-
tleman residing at Edge-hill, who was at the time main-
taining Bartlett and his wife and family, as he was out of
employment. Bartlett denied the maintenance part of
the aggravation, but admitted that he and his family were
living with the complainant, and that he had behaved in
such a manner as he was very sorry for.

SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr. John Phillips, only surviving
son of Mr. Alderman Phillips, of Manchester, while sit.
ting at breakfast with his family on Thursday, suddenly
fell from his chair and expired. He had recently been the
companion of Sir John Potter, on a tour in Egypt and
other parts of the East, and returned complaining occa-
sionally of rheumatic pains in the chest, but with this
exception his health was good. It is thought that he died
of some disease of the heart.
A CHILD BURNT TO DEATH.—On Tuesday, a boy,
named Robert M'Muff, living with his parents in 11
Court, Heath-street, had his clothes ignited by the
kitchen fire during the temporary absence of his mother,
who was called to the spot by his screams' for assistance.
He was immediately attended by Mr. Edmonds, of the
Southern Dispensary, but, after suffering great pain, he
died on Thursday morning, not having so far revived as
to be able to describe the manner in which he came in
contact with the fire.

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—On Wednesday a public meet-
ing was held in the Clayton-hall, Claytowsquare, as the
advertisement stated, "for the purpose of examining into
the general principles of Life Assurance and Friendly
Societies, without advocating the interest of any society or
co.npany." The chair was occupied by Lord Erskine, who,
in a very long and discursive speech, opened the proceed-
ings. Mr. William Rathbone, Mr. John Smith, Mr. Weir,
the Rev. H. S. Brown, Mr. J. R. Jeffery, and other gen-
tlemen, also addressed the meeting, and resolutions fa-
vourable to the object of the meeting were passed. _

TESTIMONIAL 170 ME. MARCUS.LIA committee of gen-
tlemen of this town and Manchester are now forming a
plan for the above-named purpose. During the last season
no less than 26,300 persons travelled by the various trains
under Mr. Marcus's management, and providentially with-
out any accident. His exertions in behalf of the travelling
millions, by which the morals of the working classes have
been improved, and habits of saving inculcated, should
alone recommend this proposed testimonial to the public,
and lead them to express in a tangible form their approval
of that gentleman's successful efforts in giving relaxation
and a knowledge of their own country to so many thou-
sands who but for him would have been denied the oppor-
tunity.

GARROTTING A GSNTLEMAN IN HIS OWN OFFICE.—
On Wednesday afternoon, about five o'clock, a gentleman
named Tyrrell, whose office is in St. Ann-street, Manches-
ter, when returning to his place of business from collecting
money and orders, was set upon by two men, immediately
on entering his office, who, seizing him by the throat,
prevented him from calling out, and after ill-using him to
a considerable extent, robbed him of £25 in gold, the pro-
ceeds of his day's collection. It appears Mr. Tyrrell keeps
no clerk, and on entering the office was, as he supposed,
alone, when he was seized by the two men referred to, and
robbed. On making their escape, the ruffians locked the
unfortunate gentleman in, and it was some time before he
succeeded in obtaining release or assistance. We under-
stand that this is not the first time Mr. Tyrrell has been
attacked by thieves, he having been knocked down and
robbed some time ago, in Liverpool-road, of £9O.

ALLEGED CONTEMPT OF COURT BY AN ATTORNEY.—
At the borough sessions, on Wednesday, a singular dis-
cussion arose on the subject of a watch belonging to a
prisoner. It appeared that application had been made to
the court to have the watch given up as being necessary
to furnish means for the prisoner's defence. The watch,
not being in any way connected with the charge on which
the prisoner was about to be tried, the court ordered it to
be given up. It subsequently appeared that Mr. Camp-
bell, attorney for the prisoner, had received three guineas
on account of the defence. Inquiry on the part of the
learned recorder confirming this allegation, he remarked
in terms of great severity on the irregularity of• such a
course of proceeding—alleging that the court had been
deceived in the representation made. He likewise said
it would be matter for consideration how far he might be
inclined to prevent the attorney from again practising in
that court ; on the propriety of such resolution he should
consider, and, if necessary, he should hear Mr. Campbell
before coming to a decision. The matter was then
allowed to drop.
ROBBERY AT HEYWOOD'S 13Arrx.—On Tuesday last a
young man named Joseph Price, in the employment of
Messrs. Neal and Martin, attorneys in Sweeting-street,
was sent by those gentlemen to lodge £79 14s. Bd. in
Messrs. Heywood's bank. The money consisted of £25 in
gold, £29 10s. in silver, five £5 notes, and 4s. Bd. At the
bank he presented the money to Mr. Henderton, one of
the tellers, requesting a receipt note, which the latter
gave him. In preparing the receipt note, Mr. Henderton
had to turn his back, and it is alleged that Price seized
the opportunity of abstracting the five bank-notes, which
Mr. Henderton not observing, and having previously
counted over the money, which he found correct, gave
Price a receipt-note for the full amount. The deficiency
was not observed till Mr. Henderton, on balancing his
cash at night, missed the notes. Suspicion at once fell
on Price, and he was questioned on the subject, which he
at first denied all knowledge of ; he ultimately confessed,
and showed that he had secreted the notes in the head of
his stocking above the garter. He was brought up at the
police-court, on Wednesday, when his employers gave him
a high character for honesty and propriety of conduct,
which up to the present transaction had been most exem-
plary. The magistrate said the case was too serious to
be overlooked, and the lad was remanded. The prisoner
was again brought up on Friday, and discharged, the bank
not wishing to prosecute.
HEALTH CO3fMITTEE.—The weekly meeting was held
on Thursday—Mr. Langsdale in the chair. The smoke
prevention sub-committee submitted the following report
relative to the suppression of the smoke nuisance in this
town :—" Mr. M'Connachie, civil engineer, who has acted
for previous health committees in assisting to suppress the
nuisance, attended this sub-committee, and explained that
the smoke issuing from marine and land engine furnaces
could, without injury to proprietors, be so far prevented
as not to become any annoyance to the public, and that by
carrying out the necessary arrangements for the purpose,
a saving of fuel would accrue more than sufficient, in most
cases, to remunerate for any outlay required to alter defec-
tive furnaces, &c. Resolved, that considering the great
increase of this nuisance in the town and on the river, and
also considering the explanations furnished by Mr. M'Con-
nachie, the health committee be recommended to adopt
measures for suppressing the nuisance. Resolved, that it
be recommended that steamers plying in the Mersey should
be at once dealt with ; and that the Town-clerk be in-
structed to acquaint the owners and masters with such
determination ; and that unless, within a given time, they
effectually suppress such nuisances, proceedings will be
instituted against them." An application was received
from Messrs. Blundell and Son, relative to the substitution
of an iron for a wooden bridge across the canal at Leeds-
street. It was agreed, after a short conversation, that the
Messrs. Blundell should send in plans of the bridge pro-
posed to be erected over the canal.
FREETRADE AT MANCITESTE E.—The following placards,
printed in Jarge type, have been extensively posted in
Manchester and the neighbourhood :

" LosT.—The Great High-pressure Boiler at Newall's-
buildings has exploded, and the old Anti-Corn Law League's
" Great Big" Loaf ! ! has disappeared !1! We are now giving
Nineoence for the 41b. Loaf! Are all the shuttles at work?
Are all the spindles running? Are we building new mills?
We were told by these wiseacres and would-be patriots, if
the Corn Laws were taken off, that would come to pass!!!
It,- We must have a New Boiler that will bear greater
pressure.—Hurrah for the League ! ! 1"

" EXPLOSION ! !—Dedicated, without permission, to John
Bright, and Richard Cobden, the " Big Loaf" Patriots !!

The Soldier sees that bread and cheese
Are up so fearful high,
That the same pay goes much less way,
And " knows the reason why."
The Weaver sits and strains his wits,
While his poor children cry ;
For bread's so raised, he's nearly crazed,
And " knows the reason why."
The Ploughmen say, with much less pay,
And food so very high,
They're nearly worn to skin and bone,
And " know the reason why."
They're all agreed the Free trade creed
Has proved a monstrous lie ;
For food is scant, and work they want ,
And " know the reason why."
For food and clothes to foreign foes,
We now trust for supply :
Our looms and land both jdle stand,
This is " the reason why."

LIGHTING A SHIP BY GASLIGHT.—The work on board
a vessel in one of the Liverpool graving docks is now
being carried on by gaslight. The Shooting Star, of 1,500
tons burthen, is lying in No. 2 Queen's graving dock, and
Messrs. Humble and Grayson, shipbuilders, have con-
tracted to execute the fastening work of the vessel. The
fastening is of rather a novel description, and comprises
not only the ordinary quantity of iron knees, but also a
double set of oak diagonals. The time for the work being

occarre

that by the aid of gal from the main introduced into the
ship by a pipe passed through the side of the vessel, illu-
minating power might be obtained of a far better descrip-
tion than that given by the ordinary lanterns, whilst there
would be much less risk of fire. Having resolved to try the
experiment, if the necessary facilities were afforded,
he set about to obtain the consent of the authorities.
Application was made to the secretary of the Dock Com-
mittee for the necessary permission ; he could not act
without the instructions of the harbour-master's sub-
committee ; the harbour-master's committee could not act
without a report from the surveyor ; the surveyor having
)rted in favour, and the committee having agreed, the
ials at the gas works had next to b
could not act without the consent
pproved, another difficulty nresc
had to be consult(
Grayson was
nd tl

ted with shipping

f the director

A FOOTMAN at Roby-hall wasdi-owned on➢londay while
skating in a pit in the park... _ _ _

WEL-SH " PLYZI.A.IN."—We understand that the
"Plygain" will take place at St.. David's Church, at six
o'clock on Christmas morning.

THE CHOLERA.—No case of cholera has been received at
the workhouse hospital during the past week, and at
present there are no patients in the hospital suffering from
the epidemic.
AT THE POLICE COURT, on Saturday, Martha Peters
was charged with stealing a ring from Mrs. Radcliffe, of
Tranmere, in whose house she was working about twelfe
months ago, when the ring was first missed. The robbery
having been committed in Cheshire, the prisoner was sent
over to Birkenhead.

BREAKING INTO A CHURCH. —Early on Tuesday, some
persons effected an entrance into St. Paul's Church, Black-
burn, by the removal of some panes of glass. They broke
into the vestry cupboard, but, contrary to expectation, did
not there find the communion plate. No trace has been
found of the persons who committed this sacrilegious act.

THE COLLIERS' STRIKE AT WIGAN.—It may now be
said that the dispute between the coal proprietors and their
workpeople in this neighbourhood is at an end. At last
something like a definite understanding has taken place,
and the Messrs. Brancker have again their full comple-
ments of hands, or nearly so.
LORD AND LADY ERSKINE were escorted last week
through the town by the Mayor, who took them to St.
George's Hall and other places of interest. His lordship,
who is now very advanced in years, was last in Liverpool
in 1794 ; and was much struck with the altered appear-
ance of the place, for the principal streets were at that
time fields.

GENERAL HOLIDAY AT WAERINGTON.—A very nume-
rously signed requisition from the principal tradesmen and
manufacturers of the borough having been presented to
the Mayor, desiring him to request the inhabitants gene-
rally to observe the day after Christmas Day as a holiday,
his worship has issued a notification to that effect, and
there is little doubt, from the manner in which the subject
has been received, that, as far as practicable, the wishes of
the requisitionists will be fully realised.
ACCIDENT ON THE WARRINGTON RAILWAY.—A man
named William Hurst, captain of a flat, was found killed
on the St. Helens and Warrington Railway, on Wednesday
morning, about 4 miles from Warrington. It was con-
jectured that he must have been attempting to cross the
line on the previous evening, and was knocked down and
killed by a late train from Runcorn Gap. An inquest was
held on the body, and ayerdict of Accidental death" re-
turned.

Two Boys KILLED IN A COALPIT.-An accident of a
serious nature occured on Thursday, in the No. 3 pit,
belonging to the Strangeways Hall Coal Company, Low
Green, Hindley. Eight boys and a man were sitting
together in the workings, when a portion of the roof,
about four yards long by two yards wide, and several inches
thick, fell upon them, and covered all of them. Two of
the lads, named Joseph France and William Heaton, were
killed on the spot; but the others escaped without very
serious injury.
FARMS AND FARM-BUILDINGS.—At the fortnightly
meeting of the Architectural and Archaeological Society,
held on Wednesday, in the Royal Institution, (Mr. Chas.
Verelst, the president, in the chair,) an interesting paper
was read by Mr. Alfred Rimmer upon " Farms and Farm.
buildings." At the conclusion of the paper, a discussion
on it took place, the speakers being Mr. Picton, Mr. Frank
Howard, and Mr. Joseph Boult, principally with reference
to the stall feeding of cattle. The Marquis of Salisbury,
K.G., and the Hon. H. T. Liddell, M.P., proposed by the
President and Secretary, were elected associate members ;
and Mr. William Corkhill, proposed by Mr. Scott and Mr.
Huggins, was elected student member of the society.

LIVERPOOL JOURNEYMEN TAILORS.—On Tuesday, a
meeting of journeymen tailors was held in the Assembly-
rooms, Circus-street, to hear the statements of deputations
from Preston and Wigan, relative to the dispute existing
in those towns between the manufacturers and the opera-
tives. The following resolution was unanimously agreed
to :—" That it is the opinion of this meeting, after
examining the respective statements of the millowners
and the operatives, that a more gross act of injustice has
rarely been perpetrated by capitalists than the one com-
mitted by the manufacturers of the Wigan and Preston
districts, in their treatment of their workmen. We
therefore resolve to assist them to the utmost of our
power, and call upon all men in our trade to respond to
their appeal."
HEALTH OF TRE Tows.—The medical officer of health
reports that the comparatively high mortality noticed last
week, from the universal prevalence of inflammatory
diseases of the lungs, still continues. The deaths regis-
tered in the week ending on Saturday, the 10th inst.,
were 241, being 6 fewer than in the previous week, and 32
more than the average of the same week of the preceding
five years. Of the total 241 deaths, not less than 104
were from diseases of the lungs, the mortality from which
had increased threefold since the end of October. The
deaths from zymotic diseases were 69, including 15 from
hooping cough, 19 from cholera, 7 from diarrhoea, 6 typhus,
5 measles, 4 scarlatina, and 2 smallpox. The severe wea-
ther had been chiefly fatal to infant life, nearly fifty-eight
per cent. of the deaths having occurred below the age
of five.

THE WIGINTA.CTORY OPERATIVES.—A general move-
ment on the part of the millowners, and the overlookers
combined, has been made with a view to " get a start."
They have been busy repairing their carders, and putting
their mills in working order, and it is generally believed
that this long pending question will assume some tangible
shape. At a meeting of overlookers on Friday, it trans-
pired that many of the establishments had already the
names and promises of a sufficient number to enable them
to commence• operations. In all this not a word has
transpired as to whether they are to receive the advance
asked. It is, however, said, that some few of the over-
lookers have been sent for by the masters, and told that
they (the overlookers) should have the advance. Those
of the operatives more determined to have what they ask
for, have had, as usual, several meetings during the week,
and in the speeches delivered at these meetings the over-
lookers have fallen in for a fair share of abuse.

WEST DERBY BOARD OF GIIIRDIANS.—The weekly
meeting was held on Wednesday. On the motion of Mr.
Kirkus, it was agreed that an organ be provided for the
chapel in the workhouse, at a cost not exceeding £6O.—A
report was received from the visiting committee stating
that the committee having considered the report of the
inspector of schools, which was very unsatisfactory, parti-
cularly with reference to the schoolmistress ; and consi-
dering, also, the fact of her having become mother
would render her services still more inefficient, they
recommended to the board that she be requested to resign.
After some discussion the report of the committee was
adopted. Mr. Alpass moved that the schoolmaster as well
as the schoolmistress be called upon to resign. Mr.
Jeffries seconded the motion, which was unanimously
agreed to. The Chairman said the visiting committee had
had another subject under their consideration, relating to
a charge of cruelty which had been brought against them-
selves and the governor of the workhouse at the Police-
court, relating to a charge of assault which had been pre-
ferred by the governor against Mary M'Analy, the wife of
one of the inmates of the workhouse. Mr. Mansfield said
it was a cruel thing for the officers to refuse admittance to
the near relatives of patients who were so dangerously ill,
and he thoUght it would scarcely be sanctioned by the
authorities. Such treatment was likely to irritate the
feelings of the poor creatures. After a long discussion on
this subject, the following resolution was unanimously
agreed to : —The guardians having had their attention
directed to a paragraph in a newspaper having reference
to a case of assault made by a relative of an inmate of the
workhouse upon the master and porter, and which assault
having been proved before the stipendiary magistrate of
the borough of Liverpool, that gentleman discharged the
person who committed such assault without any punish-
ment, on the score of harsh treatment on the part of the
master, it is resolved, that the conduct of the master in
this matter has the entire approval of the board.

DOCK COMMITTEE.—The usual weekly meeting was
held on Thursday, Mr. Turner in the chair. The subject
of the proposed 'hew landing-stage at the Prince's Dock
was again brought before the committee by the presenta-
tion of a plan for the erection of a landing-stage 1,000 feet
long and 100 feet wide. The plan proposed to widen the
Prince's Parade, and to make room for the erection of
warehouses • and the sub-committee strongly recommended
that an additional piece of land, 15 feet wide, the whole
length of the dock wall, should be secured at the same time
for this improvement, which would be for the benefit of
both estates.—The Chairman stated that the Prince's
Parade was at present 30 feet wide, and the additional 15
feet proposed would give them a width of 45 feet, which
would be quite sufficient for the purpose. It would leave
145 feet within the boundary wall, and supposing that
warehouses of 90 feet were erected, there would be space
of 45 feet between the back of these warehouses and the
boundary wall. This was the plan proposed, and the sub-
committee thought that it would be far better and more
convenient to the public to give them an exit by the north
as well as the south end ; that the extension of 15 feet
should be carried the whole length of the dock, but under
the circumstances they thought it only fair that the corpo-
ration should give some compensation for this additional
land. After a good deal of discussion, Mr. Rankin moved
that the offer should be made to the corporation of the
land, 1,000 feet in length by 15 feet in breadth, and that
they should be requested to take the additional land the
whole length of the wall, giving an equivalent in land
about the west side of the George's Dock. Mr. Little-
dale seconded the motion. Mr. Robinson proposed as
an amendment, " That, inasmuch as the giving up to the
council of even the smaller portion of the land in ques-
tion will involve the diminution on any warehouses to be
erected on the west quay of the Prince's-dock, and be
otherwise prejudicial to the Princes's Dock, and therefore
a considerable injury to the dock estate, this committee
are therefore of opinion that the dock trust ought to
receive in exchange an equivalent quantity of land
on the west side of the George's Dock for the whole
amount." The amendment was lost by seven to nine.
The motion was then altered, to the effect that the matter
be referred hack to the sub-committee, with instructions
to confer with the Finance Committee, and inform them
that the offer of the 1,000 feet of land was made contingent
upon the Corporation taking the remainder, and giving
land on the west side of the George's Dock as an equiva-
.
a then taken upon the motion, when the
vote in

numbers were equal. I

aairman gave

tis casting

favour of the motion, which was agreed to. Some conversa-
tion took place on the subject of a holiday on the day after
Christmas, and it was understood that a holiday would be
granted as far as practicable.—The Sub-committee of the
Marine Department reconr ended that the tender of
Messrs. Rennie, Johnson, and Rennie, for the building of
a buoy schooner, be accepted. Agreed to.—A recommen-
dation was received from the Harbour Masters' Sub-com-
mittee to accept the tender of Messrs. Conway and Co.,
for supplying clothes for the dock gatemen, and of William
Gibson for the supply of hats. Agreed to.—lt was also
resolved that
_two moveable wood huts be placed at the
Canning

Dock for the accommodation of- two potato
to be removed whenever the committee should
require them.—A memorial was read from the Rev. Dr.
n behalf of the Liverpool Seamen's Friend Society
Union, praying for the grant of land for the
chapel for the sr:amen in the new line of street
)ing, the vessel which they had formerly used as
nary chapel having become unfit for use. The
was laid on the table, the feeling of the corn-
eing that they could not at present grant any site
_rurpose required in theneighbourhood of Wapping.
THE MARQUIS OF CHANDOS, the new president of the

London and, ICTorthwes,

distinguished perso
high-leva rail~va o:

TITS REV. Da. CARE delivered an instructive lecture,
on Thesday, at the Town-hall, St. Helens, on " The History
of the English Language."

M JOHN DA VIES WEAVER, late house-surgeon of the
Northern Hospital, in this town, has been recently ap-
pointed surgeon to the Chester Infirmary, vacant by the
resignation of Mr. Harrison.
THE following gentlemen have been elected members
of the Literary and Philosophical Society :—Rev. James
Porter, 8.A., Mr. Thomas M`Nicholl, Mr. Joseph Godden,
and Mr. John Keates.

Tan AF arca, British and North American royal mail
steamer, Captain Ryrie, sailed on Saturday morning from
the Mersey, with the usual mails for New York, between
30 and 40 passengers, and a fair cargo.
A FIRE broke out, on Thursday, on the premises of
Messrs, Eld and Co., brewers, Pepper-street, Richmond-
row. Mr. Hewitt was quickly on the spot, and, with a
reel of hose from the Rose-hill station, succeeded in getting
the fire under before much damage had heen effected.
MR. Jens MARTIN, the painter, has encountered an
attack of paralysis that disables his right hand, and im-
pedes his utterance, though his hearing and sight remain
perfect. This misfortune occurred to him last month, in
the Isle of Man, where he was planning improvements to
the harbour of Douglas.
PRIVATE MEETINGS of proprietors of the Southeastern
Railway have been held -during the past week, both in
London and Manchester, in aid of the Liverpool move-
ment to select proper candidates for the direction prior to
the election in March next. Mr. Beloe, deputed by the
Liverpool committee, attended on each occasion, to explain
the views of his principals. The greatest unanimity pre-
vailed, and subscriptions were entered into to defray the
necessary expenses of the movement.
FIRES. —Shortly before ten o'clock on Saturday night a
fire broke out in an outfitter's shop in Bath-street,
belonging to Mr. Kid. The reel from the Prince's Dock
station, and the reel-carriage from Temple-court station,
were immediately in attendance, accompanied by a section
of the fire-brigade. There was a good supply of water,
and the fire was speedily extinguished. A fire broke out
on Sunday night in a dwelling-house in Bent-street,
Scotland-road, which consumed the bedding in one of the
rooms. A number of menVrom the fire-station, with a
reel from Rose-hill, were quickly on the spot, and soon
subdued the flames.
BRENAN v. PRESTON.—The Vice-Chancellor has given
judgment in this case. He considered that no case of
wilful default had been made out against Brennan, and
that, although it might be more delicate if he had not
given employment in the ship to any of his own family, it
would only amount to a possible question of disallowance
of the sums which they had been overpaid, if, upon taking
the accounts, this should appear to be the case. As to any
order respecting the undertaking which was given by the
plaintiff before the Lords Justices in December, 1852, that
undertaking was ample security, for by it the owners were
personally responsible, and the whole ship and freight
were also chargeable. Further than directing the accounts
to be taken, the court could not go ; and his honour, there-
fore, ordered that the petition should stand over till he
pronounces his decree in the suit.
THE Poon Lew.—At a meeting of deputations from
various boards of guardians in Lancashire, held at Man-
chester, on Monday, a committee was appointed to take
steps towards applying to Parliament for an abolition of
the Poor-law Board. Mr. Cheetham, M.P. for South Lan-
cashire, expressed his conviction that this object was unat-
tainable. He did not think they could entirely abrogate
the powers of the Poor-law Commissioners, but he did
think they could very much limit those powers. In the
latter object he should most heartily assist them. Mr. J.
M. Cobbett, M.P. for Oldham, said that even if the pro-
moters of this movement went for a limitation of the
powers of the Poor-law Board, they would find it a very
difficult risk, because it was almost impossible to define
what their powers ought to be. He, however, was not at
all indisposed to attempt to get a limitation of their powers
if it were practicable, and he should be glad to assist them
in that part of their movement.
WATERLOO BRANCH OF THE SOCIETY FOR PRO-
MOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONGST THE JEWS.-011 Sun-
day morning last a sermon was preached in Christ Church,
Waterloo, in behalf of the above society, by the Rev. S.
P. Boutfiower, M. A., of Seaforth, from Romans xi. 1
and s—" I say then, bath God cast away his people ?
God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of
Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Even so then at
this present time also there is a remnant, according to
the election of grace." After showing that the apostles
commenced their preaching first with the Jews, their
great success, the abundant blessing that has attended
the missions of the London Society, giving a statistical
Yiew of the number of baptisms at its various mission
stations, and some interesting and pleasing instances of
the triumphing power of unshaken faith in the true
Messiah displayed by many when about to quit this life,
&c., upwards of £ll was collected.
CERISTMAS HOLIDAYS.—There will be a general holi-
day in the town on Monday next. Most of the mercantile
bodies have agreed to give their employe's the accustomed
yearly relaxation from daily toil ; and the Mayor has
issued orders for all the offices in the Town-hall to be
closed. In accordance with the notice given last week,
at a meeting of the General Brokers' Association, on
Friday last, the following resolution was proposed, and
unanimously adopted :—" That with the view of allowing
time to close accounts, and other necessary operations at
the end of the year, and of giving relaxation to em-
ployers and the employed at this appropriate season, the
Committee of General Brokers recommend that, from
Christmas Day until the 2nd of January inclusive, shall
be observed as a holiday, so far as practicable ; that no
public sales of produce (except of goods from the quay)
shall be advertised for that week ; and that markets be
considered closed, agreeably to the practice in London."

_ _
SUICIDE AT GARSTON.—About three years ago the St.
Helens and Garston Railway Company took possession of
a portiou of a garden at Garston, which was in connexion
with a cottage occupied by a market gardener, Mr. Thomas
Sidwell, who dwelt in it with his wife and family. Sid-
well could not appreciate the wisdom of a law which
enabled strangers to take a portion of his inheritance for-
cibly from him ; and though, after receiving ample com-
pensation, he yielded the loss of his garden, in which he
had worked for nearly half a century, it preyed so much on
his spirits that he took to his bed, and died about twelve-
months ago. His wife, after her husbands death, was
seized with a settled melancholy, and her misfortunes,
about six months ago, so affected her mind, that she at-
tempted to commit suicide by hanging herself, but was cut
down in time, and, by surgical aid, she recovered from the
injuries she inflicted on herself. The daughter watched
her carefully and closely till Thursday afternoon, when she
went out, about three o'clock, for a few minutes, leaving
her mother alone. On her return her mother was hanging
from a beam in the ceiling, to which she had attached her-
self by a strap. She was immediately cut down, and,
though she breathed for a few seconds, she died almost
immediately.

A PUBLIC TRIAL OF MILNER'S FIRE-RESISTING SAFES
took place on Monday, at the works of Messrs. Porter
Brothers and Stuart, Berkeley-street, Birmingham, in the
presence of a large number of scientific, professional, and
mercantile gentlemen, including the Mayor, the Rev. I. C.
Barrett, Rev. D. Ledsam, Lieutenant Hopkins, Captain
Ranie, D. Matins, Esq., R. Martineau, Esq., Mr:Alderman
Ratcliff, Messrs. Charles Ratcliff, Thomas Goodman, J. V.
F., R. Prosser, A. Bird, J. B.
esand many others. Two fires
Baldwin,Solomon R.
Marshall, urg
were made, in one of which was placed a Milner's fire-
resisting safe of the smallest dimensions, filled with
papers, books, and a Bank of England £lOO note. In the
same fire was also placed a common iron safe, filled with
papers. After the safes had been subjected to the action
of the fire for two hours and a half they were withdrawn.
On being opened, the contents of the ordinary safe were
found reduced to black ashes, while the contents of
Milner's safe were entirely uninjured. In the midst of
the second fire was placed one of Milner's double bankers'
safes, containing a quantity of books, papers, three gold
watches, and a £lOO note. After being subjected to the
action of the fire for about five hours, during which time
Measures were taken to make the heat as intense as pos-
sible, the safe was withdrawn and opened, and the con-
tents were taken out entirely uninjured, the watches
indicating the correct time of day, and exhibiting no signs
of injury from the trial to which they had been subjected.
As the result of these experiments, we can have no hesita-
tion in expressing our opinion that Milner's patent fire-
proof safes are capable of preserving uninjured, from the
ravages of any ordinary fire, any books or papers which
they may contain.—Birmingham Advertiser.

WORKING MEN'S BRANCH OF THE PROTESTANT
REFORMATION SOCIETY.—On Tuesday evening last, a
lecture was delivered at the Toxteth-hall, by Mr. Thomas
Worrell, special missionary in connexion with the parent
society of the above institution. The subject was, The
Church of Rome the Great Apostacy." The hall was
crowded. Mr. Weir occupied the chair, and the proceed-
ings were opened with prayer. After a few introductory
remarks from the chairman, Mr. Worrell explained that
he did not come there out of any ill feeling towards his
Roman Catholic brethren, but merely as an advocate of
the truth. He then proceeded to argue that the great
apostacy prophesied in the Scriptures found its develop-
ment in the history of the papacy during the last 1,500
years, and to show this quoted passages from the New
Testament, describing, as he said, that apostacy as having
been mentioned liy several of the sacred writers. After
dwelling on these points he contended that the apostacy
had its origin in the apostles' days ; that a certain hinder-
ing power had to be removed ere it should meet its final
development; and that, when that hindering power was
removed, then the man of sin, the son of perdition, the
mystery of iniquity, would be exhibited in all its glaring
deformity. Quoting from a catechism which had the
sanction of Dr. Riley, he said,the Pope had given authority
to change the second commandment, "Thou shalt not
make to thyself any graven image," &c., because he knew
that if it went forth to the people they would see their
idolatries, and loathe and hate them. The lecturer then
called attention to a work sanctioned by Cardinal Wise-
man, who was now in Rome telling the people there that
England was ripe for the papacy. The lecturer read
extracts from the works he had referred to, with the view
of showing the dignity and power awarded to the Virgin
Mary, who, it is said, could give the grace of God to rob-
bers, or perhaps murderers, if they would humble them-
selves to ask her; the very devil, though a damned spirit,
might obtain grace if he would only ask for Mary's aid.
As regarded Popery, when they looked at the signs of the
times, on the continent, it was obvious that the Pope would
ere long lose his power. As regarded the number of
Roman Catholics in England, it had been much overrated,
for he did not believe they amounted to one in a thousand ;
besides, people were beginning to think for themselves,
and the Pope and Cardinal Wiseman had declared that
the man who doubted was no longer a Roman Catholic.
As the papacy would shortly be, forsaken by all the Euro-
pean powers, the man of sin would be consumed and sent
to his own place, and the prophecy of the Scripture be
literally fulfilled. He besought those who had escaped
the consequences to take warning, to read their Bibles,
and come to that living stream of salvation, drink largely
there, and have their souls satisfied. If such knowledge
were spread abroad, he had no doubt of the result, for he
was strong in the hope that ere long they might be able
to say that Babylon was fallen—fallen to rise no more.
At the close of the lecture, the chairman invited any
Roman Catholics present to come forward and reply to the
ns of the lecturer and they should have a fair
As no one appeared in the opposition, the chair-
man and one or two other speakers addressed the meeting
on the importance of the movement which was being

originated by the society, and the desirableness of carrying
it out to the fullest extent. Nearly 100 new members have
been e.ni:cilPd.darilig the,ow.eek.

SATURDAY EVENING CoNourns,—The entertainment
at the hall, Lord Nelson-street, on: Saturday evening, con-
sisted of a vocal conct rt, in whirll MT: and Mrs. Semis-
brick, the Misses Wen yss, Mr. IyallS, &c.., were the per-
formers. The hall was crowded it every:part, and the

artistes acquitted themselves most creditably. Mrs.
Scarisbriek, notwithstanding that she laboured under the
effects of a severe cold, sung with her accustomed success,
and was frequently applauded. On the platform were the
Mayor (Mr. J. B. Lloyd,) Mr. Caine,. the President of the
Institute, Mr. W. Rathbone, Mr. J. H. Parr, and other
gentlemen. In the interval between the first and second
parts, Mr. Caine addressed the audience,, remarking in
forcible• terms on the quality of the entertainments fur-
nished at the Saturday evening concerts, and contrasting
them with the "free concerts." He proposed a vote of
thanks. to his worship the Mayor, for the countenance be-
stowed on the Saturday evening concerts. The motion
was. seconded by Mr. W. Rathbone, and unanimously
carried. The Mayor, on rising to rpply, was warmly ap-
plauded. He thanked them most sincerely for the manner
his name had been proposed and received as chief magi-
strate of this great community. Lie assured them that
upon no occasion had he been more gi;atifled than on this ;
because, the music to which they had listened would have
a tendency to soothe, and calm, and quiet. It was on this
account that they were indebted to those who pro-moted
these unions of social happiness. He assured them that,
on any occasion, during his mayoralty, if he could pro-
motethe happiness of the many, it would be his pleasure
to do so in the best manner he could, (Cheers.) Having
been now connected for thirty years with Lime-street
Ward; in which that building was-situated, he should in-
deed be ungrateful if, on that, or any other occasion, he
did not return them his sincere thanks for the kindness
he always received, and if he did not seek to promote the
happiness of the community as far as lay in his power.
(Applause.) The concert was then resumed, and was al-
lowed to continue without further interruption to the
close.

ACCIDENTS.—On Tuesday last, a man named Hugh
Miller, residing in Doncaster-street, whilst engaged at the
steam saw-mills of Messrs. Jordan and Co., Great How-
ard-street, got his hand entangled in the saw, by which it
was seriously injured, one of the fingers being taken off.—
On Wednesday morning, Mary Egan, living in Addison-
street, was crushed by the wheel of a cart in Barton-street,
whit she was attempting to pick refuse cotton from a
warehouse door. She was severely bruised about the ribs
and hip.—On the same day, Susannah M'Cluskey, Eccles-
street, fractured her thigh by a fall. The above cases
were received at the Northern Hospital.—On Tuesday,
Charles Taylor, a workman employed in Mr. Davies' yard,
Bridgewater-street, fell from a pile of spars, ten or twelve
feet in height, and received severe contusions.—On the
same day, a woman named Isabella Brooks, living in Bol-
ton-street, fell down two flights of stairs, and received a
severe concussion of the spine.—James Royales, a boat-
man, on the same day, fell on board of a flat, which was
lying alongside the pier, near Mr. Laird's shipbuilding yard,
and dislocated his ankle.—On Wednesday, a lad named
Patrick Mullen, living in Frederick-street, whilst walking
with a light in the upper story of Messrs. Chippendale's
old mill, Kent-street, where he was employed, fell through
a trap door which had been left open by some of the work-
men, and severely cut his lip and tongue.—On Thursday,
Benjamin Trevott, an engineer residing in Stanley-street,
had his hand severely lacerated by the machinery at
Messrs. Twist and Bell's, Tabley-street.--Wm. Burke, a
person living at 27, Harding-street, fell into the hold of
the steam-ship Arabia, Coburg Dock, on Thursday, and
fractured his arm.—On the same day a lad, named David
Lloyd, was run over by an omnibus in Mill-street, and
had his leg severely contused. They above were received
at the Southern Hospital.—On Saturday morning, Jere-
miah Lynch, 4, Derwin-street, labourer, fell into the hold
of a ship in the Collingwood Dock, and received a contu-
sion of -the ribs.—On the same day James . Turner, of
Henry Edward-street, carter, while walking in Milton-
street, slipped and fractured his leg. A similar accident
occurred to him eight months ago.—Early on Sunday,
Mary Monk, of. Preston-street, was going along,. Mann's
Island, when a ship's stage fell upon her, and broke one of
her legs.—The same morning Mary Johnson, of Preston-
street, fell near her own door, and fractured the neck of
her thigh.—The same morning Merett M'Anally, of
Shaw's-alley, was going on board the schooner Farrah,
lying in the Stanley Dock, when he fell over the vessel's
side and broke his right arm.

THE ROYAL INSTiTIITION Scwoot.—The annual dis-
tribution of prizes to the pupils in this school took place,
on Thursday, in the theatre of the institution, in Colquitt-
street. There was a very numerous and highly respect-
able company present, comprising a large number of ladies.
The chair was occupied by W. R. Sandbach, Esq., presi-
dent of the schools ; and amongst the clergymen and gen-
tlemen present were W. Brown, Esq., M.P. his worship
the mayor, J. B. Lloyd, Esq., J. A. Tinne, Esq., William
Rathbone, Esq., Rev. Dr. M`Neile, Rev. Dr. Crichton, &c.
After some well-delivered recitations, the Chairman ad-
dressed the pupils, and alluded prominently to the follow-
ing as having maintained the credit of the school at col-
lege : —Canning scholar : G. P. Abram, Clare-hall, Cam-
bridge. Honours gained at the universities this year by
former pupils of the Royal Institution School: A. Glynn,
fifteenth wrangler at Cambridge ; T. Barber, fellowship at
Clare-hall, Cambridge ; G. P. Abram, sizarship at Clare-
hall, Cambridge ; R. Duckworth, open scholarship, Uni-
versity College, Oxford ; W. Glen, foundation scholarship,
Emanuel College, Cambridge. The Chairman then pro-
ceeded to distribute the following prizes : Divinity Essay :
1, Carter ;2, Parry. Historical Essay : Carter and Red-
head, equal. Composition : Parry. Mathematics : Law-
ford Yate Lee. Improvement in Mathematics : T. Booth.
German: Ready. SecondClass.—HistoricalEssay: Ready.
Latin Composition : Ready. Given by Mr. C. Barber.—
Water Colours : 1, Ready • 2, Tobin ; 3, Fleetwood; 4,
Slater, Cross ; 5, Astley, Head. Oil Painting : 1, Hum-
phreys. Mechanical Drawing : 1, Dickinson ;2, Kerr.
Pencil Drawing : 1, Bellhouse. Lower School.—Writing
1, Humphreys ; 2, Hall. Arithmetic : Davies. Well-
written Exercises : Pick. Improvement prizes (given by
William Sandbach, Esq., President):—Second Class: Head,
Williams' W. Cross, Prange, C. Booth. Third Class : D.
Maciver, A. Badnall, A Crabtree, Cr chton, Tobin, Fleet-
wood, Moult, Morrison, H. Astley, Kerr. Fourth Class :
Pick, Vaughan, Humphreys, Martin, J. Fairrie, S. Byrne.
Fifth Class : Dickinson, Marwood, McLean, W. Robertson,
M. Beckett, Warr, S. Williams. Sixth Class : Darby, J.
White, Troughton, J. Rogers, Toosey, Ryder, Barnsley,
D. Jackson. Mentioned with praise : T. Leigh, J. Best,
J. White, S. Watson, Aspinall, Davies, C. Richardson, R.
Orrell, Nunn, J. Mill, R. Leigh, W. Wilson; Dyce Duck-
worth. The Mayor, in expressing his thanks to Mr. Tur-
ner for affording him the opportunity of being present,
said the result of the examination was most interesting.
They had not only heard the clever addresses in English,
but they had heard recitations admirably delivered from
the German, the French, the Spanish, and the Italian.
Mr. Turner responded in appropriate terms, concluding
by passing an eulogium on the President for his kindness
and attention. Three cheers were given for Mr. Turner
and the teachers, and the company separated. The com-
mittee, including his worship the Mayor, and other gen-
tlemen, afterwards partook of luncheon at Mr. Turner's
residence.