The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-03-09 00:00:00

TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

- On Wednesday last the usual monthly meeting of the Town
Council was helot.
The Deputy TOWN-CLERK read the minutes of the last meet-
ing.

FINANCE COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS. •
• The finance committee, at their meeting of the 9th of Febru-
ary, proceeded first to the consideration of Mr. James Aiken's
letter, respecting the establishment of a sailor's home, and re-
questing a grant or land for it. The. legality of this .was re-
ferred to the opinion of the Town-clerk.
At a meeting of the committee, on the 23d of February, the
memorial of Lieutenant Lowe was taken into consideration,-
requesting the council to provide him an office. It was re-
sol#6.l that the clerk of committees be requested to inquire of
the ina,ristrates' clerks, and search. the council books to ascer-
tain whether any traces of the agreement with the last council,
to provide Lieutenant Lowe with au office, as stated in the me-
morial,'coold be found. The clerk of the committees having
searched the council books from 1831 to 1835 inclusive, and not
having found any notice of the subject, resolved that he be re-
quested to• inspect the Mayor's letter book. and if no such
notice be found there, that.a.letter be sent to the Home-office,
begglitc, to be furnished with the particulars of the former re-
quest to the town council.
The Surveyor reported that the filters of the baths were in
too dilapidated a state, that to repair• them w cost more
than the making of new filters; and be submifTed a plan for
making the filters at the east side of the baths, so that the
weight of water of the plunging bath might not fall on the
filtering walls. It was resolved that he proceed with the alter-
ations named in the plan.
The TOWN-ct.fink's opinion was read relative to the Sailor's
Home. 'That as it was for a public purpose, and as the appro-
priation of land for such purpose would be a public benefit, it
would be competent for the council, if it thought fit, to grant
'the land:

- The-Town-cr,Eruc szid the improvement act of last session
enabled the council to make grants of laud whenever it was for
the public benefit. The intentions of the proposers of the
sailors' Home, so far as defined, were to promote the
present; comfort, security, and character of seamen ; and
the appropriation of corporation land for such purposes,
would be for the improvement of the borough, and therefore
would be legal; but the legal property must be vested in the
corporation.

was resolved that the Town-clerk be directed to watch the
bill now before parliament, for the improvement of the navi-
gation of the river Ribble.

That. the Town-clerk_ be requested to ascertain particulars
respecting the New Ceinetry,. together with the present state of
the `, cbacern."

Mr. Alderman EVANS did not rise to oppose the grant of
land 'for the -sailor'd 'home, bht rose to express his wish that
they should make no conveyance of the laud until they knew
if the funds were aiready subscribe:l and for what. was helu cut es
the !,retext fir giving; the land. They ought to let it be known,
that if it happened that they subscribed adequate funds, that
upon that condition only could they get the land. He had no
doubt that would stimulate numbers to give their money, who
would not do so otherwise., Fur next after they gave the land,
an application would be made to mortgage it, and great efforts
would never be made.

Mr. Councillor WALLACE CURRIE said his
.friend was sosp
what premature, in as much as no recommendation had 14PlIni
come to. The committee had "found it to be a subject about
which he thought it proper to get all the information they could;
and the aairman had'been requested to procure the report of
a similar establishment in Loudon, before .they came to any
recommendation.

Mr. Alderman EvaNs said he had another remark to make
respecting the graving dOCks, which were mentionedas wanting
repairing in the report. He conceived that the council ought
to refer that to the committee, in order-to make an arrange-
ment that they lie handed over to the Dock estate. .He would
recommend the getting them under the administration of. the
Dock estate. lie had no question but it would be very advan-
tageous to the corporation. There was another matter men-
tioned relative to the late Town-clerk.

The MAyoa.—Would you have the goodness to say whether
-you make any motinn?

Mr. Alderman EVA NS said there was no haste; he would
make a motion at the next council. With. regard to the, late
Town-clerk's claims, he never heard of them before. Ile would
ask whether or not the amount was anything considerable.
The TOWN-CLERK saki, the amount'of the claims was about-
£6oo; certainly not many pounds more. They consisted of
claims for business done since the last settlement of account
with the late Town-clerk, and also for- various items stated to he
omitted in the account rendered. Upon that subject there was
a report which would give more- particular information if Mr.
Evans wished to see it.

Mr. Councillor WALLACE Cunut E said, also respecting the
graving docks, the question of Mr. Evans was premature, in
so far as in what was done, the clerk of com►nittees and the
surveyor had been iuvesticating an account kept for the last
five or six, years, which had surpri el them. The clerk had
been requested to get the account u hen it was completed, when
Mr. Evans' discussion would con very properly under consi.
deration.

The TOWN-CLERK said, with regard to the Sailors' Home`the
corporation could only secure the land for the purposes of the
institution, and they could not authorise the mortgage of the
land.

The proceedings of the finance committee were then con-
final ed.

LEASES' COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of this committee were read and confirmed

WATCH COMMITTEE.—WATCH RATE.
The TOWN-CI.EtIK said, the overseers of Everton and West
Derby had been requested to furnish a statement for the assess-
ment of the watch rate, which was satisfactory. The stateinedt
furnished by the overseer of Toxteth-park was not cansidered
satisfactoiy. At a special meeting held on the 6th .of March,
the overseers of Kirkdale not having made any return, the com-
mittee cannot make any return thereon.
The proceedings of the committee were confirmed.
IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.
Resolved, that it be recommended to the Town-council to
make such alteratians in ,the name of streets as to remedy the
namesous avian which have arisen from there being two or three
of one name.'

Proceedings confirmed.
The Proceedings of the market and sducltian ccwwitte..

CCSTON-HOLSE COMMITTEE.
A letter was read from her Majesty's Treasury, stating that
the necessary measures had been taken for the removal of the
postoffice.
Mr. Alderman BROWN would suggest that copies of Mr. Row-
land Hill's pamphlet should be furnished to each member of
the council, as it seemed desirable before bringing in the report
that each gentleman should be furnished with as much informa-
tion as possible. He hoped tbe council would, not oppose the
Town-clerk being in§trudted to write to London to procure
copies of the work; they had not been able to procure them
in Liverpool. •

Mr. Councillor RAMS DEN begged to second the motion.
The MAYOR
,suggested that it would be better to refer it to
the finance committee to get as many as wanted; 64 copies
would be a considerable expense.
Mr. Councillor War.l.Ack: CCRRIE said, that. as the expense
of the pamphlet was but one shilling, each ►nernber that wished
for the information might purchase it hirnself. It was a very
improper expense to come out of the public funds.
Mr. Alderman Birnws said he had got one of the pamphlets
himself. but many gentlemen could nut get them.
Mr. Councillor CunirtE said they could write to London for
them.

Mr. Alderman BROWN said he was quite aware of that, but
it was very inuch neglected. He should persevere in his motion.
Mr. Councillor Bot.rolv begged decidedly to oppose the mo-
tion. It was a paltry affair he allowed, but he did not think it
was desirable to bring forward motions of that nature. He
would move an amendment, that the report of the proceedings
of the committee be confirmed. It was a misappropriation of
the public money.
Mr. Councillor JOHN SMITH seconded the amendment.
Mr. Alderman SHIEL thought the motion could not he enter-
tained ; it Wes appropriating the public money without notice
of motion. He did not see what good could arise from it, and
be therefore opposed the motion, because it could not be enter-
tained.

Mr. Alderman BROWN said, if Mr. Shiel said his motion
could not be entertained, he would not press it.
The proceedings of the committee were then confirmed.

MR. COUNC(LLOR JORDAN'S HEALTH.
The MAYOR announced that lie had much pleasure in inform-
ing them that he had just received a message from the medical
men, stating that they had a „much better opinion of Mr. Jordan
than they had.

The proceedings of tire church expenditure committee and
the dock committee were then confirmed.

•
MEMORIALS,
&C.
The MAYOR said the first thing to lay before them was a
memorial signed by Mr. Morris Felton, Surgeon, respecting,
the creation of a picture gallery, for the benefit and access of
the public. The memorialist wished the subject to be referred
to a Committee of the council with the hope that a respectable
committee might be the nest egg for forming a good picture
gallerThe-Ma vort read the memorial, which was to the following
effect :—" From the controversy 'which had been going on in
the Liverpool newspapers for the last three or few- months, the
writers inferred that there exists considerable dissatisfaction
respecting the Liverpool annual exhibition of pictures and the
constitution of the Academy of Arts. He had not interferred
in the dispute, and knew not which party was right, vet his
anxiety or the prosperity of the fine arts induced him to make
that application-to the council. He had formerly sent in a me-
morial, praying, for the appointment, of a committee to consider
the propriety of establishing a permanent •public picture gal-
lery. which was declined, on the 'ground that the corporation
'had no funds to apply to-slieh a design. He proved in his for-
mer memorial that the object sought might be easily attained,
wituout any bona fide appropriation of Corporate Revenue. It
nosy appealed that there were a considerable number of private
gentlemen ready to came forward in support and encourage-
ment of the firie arts, by establishing a public gallery, and who
alio had the object of attaining an exhibition on a more mag-
nificent scale than hitherto. These individuals, though ready
to support such a scheme by money and eo-operation, shrink
from the trial of commencing an undertaking of such magni-
tude, feeling that it•is nesessary to the continuance and pros-
perity of the enterprise that it should be managed, superin-
tended, and governed.• The memorialist prayed the council to
consider the propriety of appointing from their body a com-
mittee in reference to the following objects. To inquire into
the best means of establishing, on a liberal scale, a permanent
gallery of art in Liverpool, a more extensive and popular
annual exhibition; also into the possibility of enlarging the
sphere and increasing the utility of the present Liverpool Aca-
demy of arts, and whether all these objects are not attainable
without any mal-appropriation of the corporate funds. The
profits of a well ordered and economically managed exhibition
of the works of old masters, would do much towards purchasing
good pictures for the formation of a permanent gallery, and
with the addition of bequests, gifts, subscriptions, &c., there
would soon be ample means for the forma; ion of a bright and
lasting ornament to the town of Liverpool."—probably the
council would refer this to the Improvement committee.
Mr Councillor Henry IlousiEs.—No• the Finance Com-
mittee. (A, laugh.)
Mr. Alderman Eva Ns considered that there was a snake in
the grass; and the council would never be asked to interfere
in this if there was not an eve to the corporate funds. Ile re-
cotnmended the council to have nothing to do with it. . Ir they
had a picture gallery in Liverpool it would he by voluntary
means., It was quite clear they were nut ripe for it, and the
community did net require it.
Mr. Councillor La ssw.• thought assistance might he-offered
without any call on the corporation funds. There was a long
lease of the exhibition routes which might be granted. He
thought many would lend their pictures to a gallery like this,
having a respectable committee, w Bich might form a nucleus to
a noble ornament to the town. During the visit of the' British
Association to Liverpool, a noble picture gallery had been got
np in this way at the Royal Institution. There had been a si-
milar exhibition recently got up at
.Manchester, !rich hari
been visited by 50;000 people. showing that there was a very
great taste for the arts. He knew-of nothing that could raise a
higher tone of moral and intellectual feeling among the popu-

lotion. He should not like to see the subject passed over so
carelessly, as if it was very immaterial whether it was referred
to the finance committee or the improvement committee, but
should like to gave a special committee appointed. (Cries of
Move.") He begged to move, that a committee be appoitt-
ed to take into consideration Mr. Felton's memorial, and see
'what tan be done:.

Councillor Dr. CARSON should be very happy to second that
motion. He thought the corporation might on Many occasions
lend theirpatronao to things of this kind. And the reason
why there were no funds was, because the corporation would
pot give their patronage. He had, therefore, great pleasure in
seconding the motion for the appointment of a special commit-
tee for this purpose.
Whilst Mr. Lassell was preparing his motion in writing,
The MAYOR proceeded to read a meritorial from the inhabit-
ants of flood-street, praying against any opening from the. New
Market intnWhilechapel.
This was referred to the finance committee.
THE BONDING SYSTEM'. _

The MAYOR said, attention had been called by a mein ber of
that council to some -proceedings. in parliament intending to
extend the bonding System to the inland towns, which, as the
council was aware, would involve about £2,000,-000 of the pro-
perty that the corporation had a reversionary interest in, and
about £2,000,(XX) of property in which it had no interest. Pro-
bably, as it was a matter of some delicacy, it had better be tefer-
red to the finance committee to take the necessary steps?
Mr. COuncillor H. Hot.mEs made a motion, " that the intro-
duction of the inland bonding system be referred to the finance
committee,'with instructions to take the necessary measures."
Mr. Alderman LEATuom seconded this, which Mr. Holmes
was requested to put in writing.
. .

The 'MAYOR then read Mr. Lassell's resolution, "that a com-
mittee be appointed to take into consideration the letters of Mr.
Felton, on the subject of the establishment of a picture gallery,
and that the following gentlemen be members of the committee."
This was carried.
'l' he following gentlemen were finally nominated on the corn-
mittee:—Messrs. Earle, Brown, Currie, H. Lawrence, Dr.
Carson, H. Hornbv, Lassell, Barclay, and the Mayor. -
Mr. Councillor Cut did not like to rise on an occasion of
this sort, but it was from his perfect ignorance of pictures that
he must decline being on the committee. He begged to nomi-
nate Mr. Brown instead.

Mr. Alderman BROWN said, if Mr. Currie put it cm that Prin-
ciple, he felt a delicacy in acting. He had "no knowledge of
pictu res.
Mr. Councillor L A SSE L L made a similar statement.
Mr. Councillor CouLAN moved, that Mr. Earle be on the
committee as a " travelled" man.

I '
-The above gentlemen were then appointed on the committee.
Mr. Alderman • EVANS said, he saw they had got their own,
way on the committee, and, therefore, 'he were writing to
his friends, he should say the questioh,was settled. (A laugh.)
The MAyon said, " if our facetious,Alderman will allow us,
we will (fo to more important business." (A laugh.)
Mr. Councillor" H. Hotsiss' resolution was then read, with
the addition, that the committee do what was deemed expedient
for the protection of the property of the town.
This resolution was carried, and was understood to authorize
a deputation, to London for the furtherance of these objects if
this should be required.
Mr. Alderman EVANS wished to know how it pre§setl ott
them, was there any bill before parliament.
Mr. Councillor Henry flot.mus said it had been me lioned.
that it was apprehended that Powlet Thompson would sitigi;le
it through attached to some private bill. He bad attemirted it
last year. .

POST-OFFICE REFORM.

. -
. The MAYOR read the following letters from thepresenta-
tires of the borough, in reply to communications qui himself.
" London, rebf 28, 1834
. .

" Sir,—l much regret that the pressure o4public business
should have made it impossible for me hitherto to present the
peti►ion of the Common Council of Liverpocil on the subject of
a reduction of postage. I shall continue to .ftideavour.f6r an
early place upon the list, and will take an opportunity of Stating
my opinion in favour of the general object, though I am nut
quite prepared to acquiesce in Mr. Rowland Hill's calcula-
tions. (Signed) "SANDON."

The Mayor."

" Sir,—l have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your
latter, together with a copy of a petition to the House of Com-
mons in favour of Post-office reform. Lord Sandon will of
course present it, and I shall be happy, if any plan can be de-
vised, to give effect to the views of the Town Council of Liver-
pool, being of opinion that the present rates of postage ought
not to be continued unless essentially necessary for fiscal pur-
poses. (Signed) •` C. CB, ESSWELL."
"To the Mayor of Liverpool.
" February 27."
THE DISTRESSED POOR.

The MAYOR presented a memorial from the Chairman of St.
Paul's, Vauxhall, and Scotland Wards. It was to the effect
that considerable sums having been expended in each of the
above wards, in the purchase of the common necessaries of life
for the suffering poor, and it appearing that the poor in number-
less cases, in consequence of the unusual severity of the frost,
and the great scarcity of employment consequent thereupon,
had been compelled to pledge every article of which they were
possessed in many instances, it was essentially necessary still to
continue relief in the worst cases of distress in these wards,
until the suffring poor can, to a greater extent, be enabled to
redeem their pledges before alluded to, and which are now, un-
fortunately, in the possession of pawnbrokers. Finding tbat
the corporate funds could not be applied to the purpose, the
Memorialists earnestly solicited the Aldermen and,Councillors
of the more opulent wards, immediately to convene public
meetings in their respective wards, in order that subscriptions
may be entered into, and collections made amongst the respec-
table inhabitants of such wards, the better to assist in extending
a more permanent relief to the suffering poor resident in those
densely populated (and in the aggregate) poor wards of St.
Paul's, Vauxhall, and Scotland-road.
The memorial was signed by Mr. Jahn Barton, Mr. Hugh
Bullen, and Mr. Nathan Levan, chairman of the ward com-
mittees.

THE LIVERPOOL STA,MARD