The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-07-03 00:00:00

TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

The monthly meeting of the Town-council was held on
Wednesday. There were not forty members present. In
consequence of the absence of the mayor, Mr. Alderman
BARCLAY was called to the chair.

The minutes of the previous meetings of the month having
!en read over by the deputy town-clerk, the proceedings :of
ie Finance Committee were next submitted to the council.

Ir. CURRIE moved that these should be confirmed, with

the exception of that part of them having reference to the
memorialising of the lords of the treasury for permission Ao
borrow money. He stated that the memorial was not yet
prepared, because it was first necessary to take the sense:of
council on one or two points, and the town-clerk was ,of
-opinion that a special council ought to be called on that day
week, for the purpose of taking those points into their con-
sideration.
The motion was seconded and agreed to.

The proceedings of the other committees were read, and
agreed to without observation.
THE MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS.

Mr. Alderman BARCLAY laid before the council the com-
munications addressed to the mayor.
The first communication was the following letter from
Lord Normanby

" Whitehall, June 23d, 1840.

" Sir,—l have had the honour to lay before the Queen,
the loyal and dutiful address from the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Burgesses of Liverpool, and I have in command to assure
you, that her Majesty is deeply sensible of the loyalty and
affection of her faithful subjects.
" I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) " NORMANBY.
" To the Mayor of Liverpool."
The following is the reply to the address to the Duchess of
Kent :

" fugestrie House, 23(1 June, 1840

" Sir,—l have the commands of her Royal Highness the
Duchess of Kent, to convey to you an assurance of the heart-
felt gratification with which her Royal Highness has received
the address of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Li-
verpool, and of their loyal and affectionate sympathy in the
merciful preservation of the Queen, from the atrocious at-
tempt upon her Majesty's sacred life.
".1 have the honour • be, Sir, &c.
(Signed) " E. CowvEß.
" Joshua Wahnsley, Esq. Mayor of Liverpool."
A note was read, containing a resolution of thanks from
the Committee of the Ophthalmic Infirmary to the Council,
for having granted the use of a house in Hartford-street, for
the purposes of the Charity.
A memorial from Mr. Joseph T. Dutton, of Mill-street,
Toxteth-park, was read by the Deputy Town-clerk. The
memorialist complained of the mode in which the business of
the Liverpool Academy is conducted, especially in reference
to the annual exhibitions, and called upon the Council, either
to withhold its contributions and support, or to exercise a
controlling power to do away with the partiality that is ex-
ercised.
The memorial was referred to the Finance Committee.
The consideration of the recommendations relative to in-
creasing the salaries of certain clerks in the Court of Re-
quests, was further postponed, and on the motion of Mr.
Morecroft, the subject was referred back to the Court of Re-
quests Committee, in consequence of a further memorial
having been sent in.

BATHS FOR TIIE PEOPLE

Mr. HENRY LAWRENCE, who referred to a former motion
be had made on the same subject, proposed " That it be re-
ferred to the Finance Committee to report whether any ap-
iropriate situation can be found for bathing, in consideration
of a trifling payment." He thought that it would be a decided
advantage that admission to the public bath should be gained
by the payment of some trifling amount. In answer to a
question, Mr. Lawrence stated that Mr. Franklin had, on
the former occasion before alluded to, drawn out the plan of
a bath, which seemed to have been generally approved of.
Mr. RATUBONE seconded the motion.—Agreed to.

Mr. ISAAC HOLMES observed that there were many
places on the banks of the canal where a warm bath might be
erected at a very trifling expence, and he hoped that the Fi-
nance Committee would be instructed to take the suggestion
into their consideration. The erection of walls and a shed
was all that would be required, and was sure that the money
that would be received would pay all the expences.

The council consented that it-should be an instruction to
the committee to take this point also into their comidera-
tion.

CLOCKS ON THE REVENUE BUILDINGS

Mr. PLATT again brought forward his motion that the re-
venue buildings should be provided with a clock or clocks.
In his opinion there ought to be a clock at the west end for
the Custom-house, one at the east end for the Post-office,
and one at the north end for the Dock-office. He considered
these so necessary for the due transaction of business, that
the expence, even if it should amount to £lOOO or £l2OO,
ought not to be begrudged. Without them, a building which
had cost hundreds of thousands of pounds would be incom-
plete. There was some difference of opinion /is to who should
be at the expence, seeing that government had advanced a
portion of the funds for the erection of the building ; but the
town-clerk thought government would do nothing towards
the fitting up of clocks ; and he (Mr. Platt) therefore thought
it ought to be done by the council. He moved—" That it
be referred to the Finance Committee to consider the propri-
ety of placing a. clock or clocks on the revenue buildings, for
the Custom-house, the Post-office, and the Dock-office, and
to report."
Mr. JOHN &mini seconded the motion.
Mr..CURRIE said that there were two or three things
which the council ought to consider. In the first place, the
buildings now no longer belonged to the council ; they were.
the property of the government... Again, there was a portion
of the building appropriated to the use of the Dock Com-
mittee, and perhaps it ought to be recommended that they
should provide a clock for their own part. A clock was also
asked for the Postoffice ; but it was the business of that de-
partment to give every facility to the public, and it was there-
fore very proper that a portion of the expense should fall on
the Postoffice. .Lastly, there.was a question whether it was
desirable, after the corporation had
.incurred a surplus ex-
pense of £70,000, besides giving the site, that they should
incur an additional outlay of £lOOO or £l2OO. Mr. Franklin
had calculated the expense of one clock at £420. It would
have to be imbedded in the stone, as no preparation for it
had been made in the erection of the building, and then there
would be the expense for illumination.
Mr. RATIIIIONE hoped that the Finance Committee would
take into consideration the means of having in the town a
really scientific clock—a chronometer, in fact ; for at present
there was not a public clock that could be referred to as a
standard, in case of dispute; and also, whether that clock
might not be such a one as would be heard over the whole
town, in the same Way As St. Paul's was heard over the whole
of London. .

-------
The motion was agreed to without a division

THE BOTANIC GARDEN

Mr. LASSELL, who had made a mistake in the time of
giving notice of his motion relative to the Botanic Garden;
was in consequence unable to bring that motion forward. He
would give proper notice on Friday, and the subject could
be. taken into consideration at the adjourned and special
meeting of Wednesday nest. .

The council adjourned shortly before one o'clock, until
Wednesday next at eleven o'clock.

MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE

' The weekly meeting of the Dock Committee was held in
the Custom-house yesterday. The following members were
present :—Messrs. Horsfall, Dixon, Ripley, Yates, Barclay,
Thomas Holt, Holmes, Gladstone, Hornby, and Mellor.
Mr. Horsfall was appointed chairman.
The SECRETARY read a report from the Marine Surveyor,
suggesting the, necessity of a buoy with a bell and perch
being placed so as to mark the position of the Cole Rock.
A short conversation took place, in which it was stated
that the committee had no power to order a buoy to be
placed in the position recommended, although they fully
estimated its utility in that dangerous place, as it rested with
tire Trinity Board. Eventually a resolution was passed, or-
dering the Secretary to transmit to the Trinity Board a copy
of the Marine Surveyor's report. -
The CHAIRMAN said the next business would be to con-
sider who should be appointed the printer and the stationer
to the committee for the current half' year. The stationer
for the past half year had been Mr. Robinson, of Castle-
street, and the printer, Mr. Harris.
The SECRETARY, ill answer to a question, said that Mr.
Hodgson, a very respectable man, in Lord-street, had not
yet had the printing.
Mr. RIPLEY said Mr. Pannell had not yet had it. _

Mr. HORNIIY believed Mr. Hodgson to be a respectable
man ; he did not however know him, but had on one occasion
bought some steel pens at his shop.
Mr. GLADSTONE asked whether it had been given to all
the newspaper offices pet?
The SECRETARY.—Yes.
Mr. GLADSTONE.—Have Lace and Addison had it ?

The SECRETARY.—No.
Mr. GLADSTONE knew that Mr. Kaye had had it, and
that the proprietors of the Mercury had also. He would
move now that Messrs. Lace and Addison be appointed
printers and stationers to the committee for the current half
year.
Mr. RIPLEY seconded the motion.
The motion was unanimously adopted.

.
The SECRETARY read a memorial from certain rate-payers
and inhabitants of Seacombe, Egremont, and New Brighton,
representing the importance of providing suitable facilities to
the passengers to and from these places, for crossing the
southern gut of Prince's Dock. By the present arrange-
ments a delay of 20 minutes was caused. The memorialists
suggested that a gut bridge be erected, as at George's Dock.

The CRAIRMAN said this matter had been several times
under the consideration of the committee. Mr. Hartley's
attention had been called to it, but there had been some im-
pediments—he did not know what—t 9 prevent any altera-
tions. lie suggested that the memorial be again referred to
the surveyor to report.
The suggestion of the Chairman was adopted.
The SEcuEitraix then .proceeded to read a letter from the
Chairman of the committee, (who is now in London,) rela-
tive to the bill now pending before parliament. The letter
was read in too low a tone to enable the reporters to catch
the words, but we believe the following will be found a cor-
rect summary of its contents. It was dated July Ist, and it
desired the secretary to inform the committee of the result
of the negociations which had hitherto taken place upon the
dock and warehouse bills. The decision of the committee of
the House of Commons yesterday was that the promoters of
the Harrington and Herculaneum bills should have the option
of taking their bills now, with the condition of clauses being
inserted forbidding them from building warehouses, and for
the protection and security of the dock estate, or that they
might wait the decision of the Liverpool committee upon the
flock and warehouse bills. This decision was, the chairman
believed, unexpected by all parties, and Mr. Lace and Mr.
North were unprepared to give any advice. The com-
mittee consequently adjourned till the following day to
give time for the preparation of the proposed clauses. The
chairman added that till the decision of the parties upon this
matter was known it would be impossible to give any opinion
upon the future progress of the bill. In a postscript, how-
ever, the chairman added that it had just been announced to
Messrs. Parker and Preston, that the promoters of the Har-
rington and Herculaneum dock bills had decided to go on
with their bills, so that the dock committee must wait to see
what their future proceedings would be.

Mr. GLADSTONE congratulated the committee upon hav-
ing these very regular reports of the progress of events in
London.

Mr. YATES said that when he gave his evidence before the
parliamentary committee he suggested conciliation, and re-
gretted the waste of public money that would follow if that
course were not taken.

The CHAIRMAN asked Mr. Yates wilether he had any mo-
tion to propose.

111. r. YATIS replied in the negative

After a desultory discussion upon subject of the telegraphs,
Mr. Yates and Mr. Ripley were appointed a sub-committee
to visit the several stations, and to report the several altera-
tions and improvements which they might think necessary.
The committee then separated.

We understand that Dr. Bowring has accepted:the invita-
tion to dine with the liberal electors of the united borough of
Penryn and Falmouth ; but public business will prevent his
leaving town before the 16th of next month.—West Briton.
PRINCE ALBERT'S IN. TOCSTACHIOS.—" It is not true,"
says a correspondent, •` that Prince Albert has shared off
his mustachios Doubtless this will be delightful intelli-
gence to multitudes of young fellows who, ever since Prince
Albert's arrival in this country, have been sedulously culti-
vating tips, whiskers, and moustachios ; and who were sadly
perplexed at the rumour of the last few days, that ber Ma-
jesty had actually prevailed upon her royal consort to shave
his upper Bp.—Morning Herald.

THE " BRITANNIA" STEAMSHIP,
FOR THE LIVERPOOL, HALIFAX, AND BOSTON ROYAL

MAIL STATION

This is another fine specimen of the skill and ingenuity of
our northern fellow-countrymen in the production of beau-
tiful and fast-sailing steam-vessels, and one, too, of larger
size than has hitherto been built in Scotland. A noble ri-
valry has, indeed, arisen between this port and Glasgow, in
particular, in the construction not only of steam-ships, but
of marine engines ; and as both towns thereby derive great
and mutual advantages, from immediate intercourse, as well
as, it may be said, they will now do from transatlantic traffic

by steam, we trust they will go on in the same good fellow-
ship, their only emulation being, by new discoveries, inven-
tions, and adaptations, to give increased efficiency to the
application of that mighty agent which has already worked
such gigantic commercial improvements on sea and on shore,
and which yet promises to be a principal agent in spreading
the blessings of civilization and refinement throughout the
whole of the habitable world.
Entertaining these feelings, it will not, we trust, be deemed
that our expression of them is a prelude to an overstrained
or exaggerated account of the vessel now under review. All
we desire is to do justice; but such have, within the last year
or two, been the rapid improvements made in steam-ships,
both as regards their size and equipments, and the construc-
tion of their-limns and engines, that we have found some diffi-
culty in describing, in adequate terms, the new wonders
which science, enterprise, and taste, are constantly adding to
this department of our marine. We shall shortly have to
notice two new ocean-going steam-ships, and another that
may be considered equal to new, all now fitting up for sea at
our own port. That they are all first-rate ships there exists
no question,. both as respects hulls and engines ; but as the
manner in which their cabin accommodations are planned is
very different, we shall probably in noticing them not precisely
concur in opinion with many of our readers, inasmuch as, to
a certain extent, a matter of taste only is involved. We must
endeavour, however, to do our best, and as we wish them all
well, we shall not, at least, be amenable to a charge of par-
tiality. But to proceed.
The Britannia arrived at this port from Glasgow, on Fri-
, day morning, after a fine passage of 17 hours, and is now lying
' on the north side of the Coburg Dock. She was built (as we
noticed some time ago) by Messrs. R. Duncan and Co.,
Greenock. We need scarcely state that she is of the best
materials, and put together in a manner to give entire satis-
faction to the government surveyor appointed to superintend
her. She was launched on the sth of February, and has
since received her engines from the long-celebrated Mr.
Robert Napier, of the Vulcan Foundry, Glasgow, who, we
learn, also directed and superintended the construction of the
hull. She is the first vessel yet completed of the four en-
gaged by Government to carry the mails between Liverpool
and our North American colonies—a project which originated,
it..will be remembered, with Mr. S. Cunard, of Halifax,
Nova Scotia, and in which he was joined by a party of enter-
prising and influential gentlemen in Glasgow. all of whom
(proprietors of these vessels) have now formed themselves
into " The British and North American Royal Mail Steam
Ship Company."
The following are the dimensions, &c., of the Britannia
-- Length over all
Length of keel 2lO „
Beam

Depth of hold
Admeasurement
Horse-power of engines
Diameter of each paddle-wheel
Diameter of cylinders

1200 tons
440

28 feet.
72 inches

Although we some weeks ago furnished an account of this
vessel from a Glasgow paper, we cannot, in justice to our
northern neighbours, do less than give our own notice, not
doubting but it will be corroborative of what has already
been written on the subject.

The model of the Britannia is all that can be desired by
the admirers of modern improvements in the architecture of
steam-ships—combining sharpness with sufficiency of bear-
ing. She is truly a beautiful vessel, and is finished in the
best and most tasteful manner. She has a fine bold full-
length painted figure of Britannia as a head, with a helmet,
spear, and shield, and on each side are the lion and unicorn,
and the rose, thistle, and shamrock, carved in alto and gilded.
Her stern and quarter galleries are also handsomely carved.
She is neatly rigged, as a three-masted schooner, Kith fore
and main topsails and topgallant sails, and appears as if she
could carry a very considerable breadth of canvas.

On stepping on board, the visitor will immediately perceive
that the arrangements of the cabins and their appendages are
on a novel plan. There is a flush deck. In the middle of it
are erected, at the stern, the captain and the second officers
respective cabins, and next to these are the saloon and the
steward's pantry, all under one continuous roof.: Further
forward are several minor erections, including rooms for
the other principal officers, the cooking and other conve-
niencies. •

THE SALOON.—There is a space between this deck apart-
ment and the bulwarks of the ship on each side, forming a
spacious promenade, widening from the stern of the vessel
forwards ; and to the lobby between it and the steward's
pantry there is an entrance from either side. The saloon is
a handsome oblong square apartment, entirely per se, and
baying therefore no immediate connection with the sleeping
apartments. It is about thirteen yards in length, and is
cheerfully lighted by six windows on each side, each consist-
ing of two large squares of plate glass fixed in mahogany.
The style of the empanelling and decorations is Elizabethean,
and the whole is neatly and chastely painted in oak of various
shades. The room is completely surrounded with fixture
sofas, upholstered in figured hair-cloth, and along these,
longitudinally, are two rows of handsome mahogany tables.
with moveablesofas on the opposite side, so that sufficientspace
is left in the middle for the passage of the-company or the
waiters. The tables and central sofas or seats, are so con-
structed that they may be compressed or extended in length
at pleasure. The larger panels round the rooms are appa-

rently carved in oak, in iellevo, and are much admired for
their simplicity and effect. In the centre of each, alternately,
is a medallion likeness of Queen Elizabeth, and Sir Walter
Raleigh, surrounded by floriated ornaments, filling up the
whole in a tasteful and classical manner, and without any
gilding. - Our readers will be surprised when they are in-
formed that the whole of this " carving " is embossed or
highly raised in leather, which promises from its elasticity
and other qualities, to be highly durable. The panels of the
door of the saloon, in still higher relief, and containing
classical figures and embellishments ; and also the " carved'
portion of the handsome cornice, are of the same material,
andlook rich and beautiful; so that we should not be at all
surprised should the old adage be revived (in reference, for
the first time, to the elegant cabins of ships), that " there is
nothing like leather." The roof of the saloon is neatly
groined, also in oak ; and the beams that span it are sup-
ported by neatly carved brackets or trusses, the upper portion
of each of which is a classical figure, with the hands crossed
on the top of the head, as supporters.
Immediately facing the entrance to the Saloon, and sepa-
rated from it only by the breadth of the passage or lobby, is
the STEWARD'S PANTRY. A handsome timepiece, in a
richly carved and gilt case, faces the entrance, fixed to a
central partition or division dividing the apartment in two,
but leaving a passage on each side. At the bottom part of
this division there is a spacious table, that may be reduced
in size by folding leaves. Above this table, and all round
the room, are shelves ingeniously contrived for the safe re-
ception of dishes, plates, glasses, &c. Along each side are
also spacious tables or counters, with drawers below. The
roof is completely hung with wine-glasses, of a rich pattern,.
vegetable and fruit dishes with bottoms, and a variety of
other articles. At each corner are glass cases or cupboards
for the plate, which has a very splendid appearance. Water
is here introduced in a very convenient manner, for all the
purposes required by that " prince of good fellows" on board
of ship, the steward. We had almost forgotten to notice,
though it is immediately under the clock, and facing the
visitor as he enters, the " tap" or rather bar engine, pre-
cisely similar in appearance to those used in the bars of inns
for pumping malt liquors from the cellars. Though the form
and handles are, however, the same, the interior construc-
tion is adapted for a ship ; and this engine, or series of four
pumps, is for the purpose of raising from the cellars below
either spirits or wines, so as to avoid going down with lights
so frequently as the old system requires, and, consequently,
the danger of originating fire, so generally fatal in a ship.
We have seen nothing, indeed, more compact or better con-
trived than this pantry.
THE LOWER CABINS AND SLEEPING Rooms.—Leading to
these, which are also novel in arrangement there are two dis-
tinct stair-cases, -one leading to the ladies' and the other to
the gentlemen's apartments, so that both are distinct. The
stair-cases descend from each side of the entrance to the
steward's pantry, and are spacious, with rnassy brass hand
rails. The LADIES' PRIVATE CABIN is roomy, lofty and hand-
somely fitted. It is panelled, and Reatly painted in delicate
light colours, with gilded mouldings. In the centre, on one
side, is a neat small marble chimney place, with a polished
grate. - On each side of this, in recesses, are broad sofas,
upholstered in hair cloth, and along the full length of the
room opposite them are others to correspond, with massy
ocken carved arms : occasionally these may be all used as
beds. There is here a handsome small sideboard of polished
oak, covered with a thick marble slab, and the tables are of
tine mahogany. The sleeping rooms diverge from the prin-
cipal apartment at both ends, and are roomy, commodiously
fitted up, and well lighted and aired, which, indeed, may be
said of all the others in the ship. It must be a great comfort
to ladies at sea that they can retire to their own domicile,
without closing themselves up in small sleeping rootus, when
they are weary of the general society of the saloon, or seek
retirement from other causes.
THE GENTLEMEN'S CABIN AND SLEEPING Rooms, are
contrived with au equal regard to comfort ; but of course on
such a scale as to accommodate a larger number of persons.
The cabin is nearly similar to that appropriated to the ladies,
but finished in a rather plainer though neat manner. It is
painted in oak. It has also its marble chimney piece,
and appropriate furniture; and may be used, we presume,
for a private dinner party, if required. Leading from it at each
end, (and like the other its length is across the ship), are two
long corridors or passages, on each side of which are sleeping
rooms, also fooniy. Here, including some rooms at the stern,
(in which there are seven windows) about 70 gentlemen may
be accommodated. The beds are hung with fine printed Saxony
.cloth. This part is chiefly lighted by lights from the vessel's
side, and also by lights at the bottom part of the exterior of
the saloon, the light entering in a diagonal direction, and
though not, of course, so cheerful as the saloon itself, it is
far from being gloomy. Beneath are spacious cellars for the
wines, spirits, &c., all readily accessible ; also a luggage-
room, and what may be called " the poit-office," for the
safe keeping of the mail-bags. But we must return to the
deck.

There is a FORE CABIN further forward, large and lofty,
and which, with its sleeping rooms, is scarcely inferior, if at
all, to those noticed. Diverging from this are eight dormi-
tories, each fitted with four beds or berths, so that in all the
cabins about 130 persons may be accommodated. Some of
those in the fore cabin are appropriated to the use of the offi-
cers of the ship. There are also accommodations for the
servants and others.
There is an excellent cabouse or cooking•-house on deck,
with many improvements ; also an apparatus for condensing
the waste steam into pure water, which will be a great saving
of that valuable element taken with the ship.
The engines (by Mr. Napier) are splendid pieces of me-
chanism. The framework is of 'Gothic design, and the whole
is beautifully finished. The boilers are on a new plan, which
promises many advantages. There is a passage between the
two, and also all round them, so that coals may be taken
along either fore or aft for firing, and communication imme-
diately had without trouble or inconvenience.
There is also on the deck a commodious smoking room,
and a variety of erections which we have not time to enume-
rate.

Suffice it to say, in conclusion, that the Britannia appears,
in the absence of gaudy ornament, to combine all that is re-
quisite for genuine comfort ; that she has already proved
herself a remarkably fast vessel (having, we learn, accom-
plished nearly 14 knots an hour) ; and that she may take her
place amongst the first-rate steam -ships of the day.
The Britannia will take out a large number of passengers,
amongst whom will be the Earl of Caledou, Mr. Cunard,
and many individuals of the first respectability. She will be
commanded by Captain Woodruff, R.N., a gentleman of
long nautical experience, and a most agreeable companion.
The passengers cannot fail to be comfortable, from the ex-
cellent accommodations and liberal arrangements, in every
point, to impart comfort and satisfaction.
The vessel will go out of dock into the river this day (Fri-
day), at 12 o'clock; she will sail on Saturday ; and the pas-
sengers will be taken on board from the Egremont slip, near
the south end of the Prince's Dock, at 10 o'clock in the
forenoon of that day. It is anticipated that she will make
the passage, if the weather be not exceedingly adverse, in
about twelve days.
The Acadia, which sails on the 4th August, will be fitted up
in all respects in the same manner as the Britannia.

EXHIBITION

CAPTAIN SIBORN'S MODEL OF THE BATTLE
OF WATERLOO.

THE celebrated MODEL OF Tiff BATTLE OF WA-
TERLOO is NOW OPEN for EXHIBITION at
the GALLERY OF THE UNION ROOMS, Slater-
street, Bold-street.
Open from Ten in the Morning till Ten at Night. Ad-
mission, One Shilling each.