The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-06-27 00:00:00

OPENING OF ST. GEORGE'S-HALL.

A WEEK or two ago, we had the satisfaction of an-
nouncing, exclusively, that this magnificent edifice would
be opened in the course of the approaching autumn, by a
splendid inaugural ceremony, which would be graced by
the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, and her Royal
and illustrious Consort. Since that period the preparatot,
arrangements have made considerable progress, under the
judicious management of the committee. Externally, it
will be seen the completion of the work is making rapid
progress. The handsome stone balustrade which sur-
rounds the enclosed area, with its numerous interrupting
pedestals, are all bat completed ; and most of the Janus,
or double-faced granite columns, have been fixed. Of
these, two are placed at the bottom of the basement flight
of steps leading to the noble portico at the south end of
the building ; and other two are erected at the south-
eastern angle of the enclosure. These pillars, which,
from their massiveness, appear somewhat dwarfed in
height, are the posts on which are to be hung the ponderous
and beautiful bronze gates which, opening, will give access
to the hall. Similar gates and columns are being pre-
pared for erection at the north end of the edifice. On the
eastern side of the enclosing area, opposite to the railway
station, two colossal cubes of sandstone are firmly em•
bedded on either side of a roadway. These are pedestals
intended to carry two lofty granite columns, each sur-
mounted by a golden globe, emblematic of the widely
extended commercial relations of the port and the com-
munity of Liverpool. Other pedestals, situated in different
portions of the curtain-wall, are suited for the reception
of other symbolical representations of our national and
municipal pursuits. _ _ _

The operations for completing the interior are proceed-
ing with energy and speed. The beautifully-arranged
mosaic floor is nearly completed, and adds greatly to the
general magnificence of the hall. It may be described as
consisting generally of three circular devices, the central
and larger one having its interior compartment occupied
by a brilliantly executed emblazonment of the Royal
arms, surrounded by annular designs, conspicuous among
which are a series representative of Neptunian and com-
mercial triumph, executed in yellow and brown encaustic,
exterior to which are rings of geometric design in bril-
liant colours. To the north and south of this central
design there are subordinate figures of similar form, the
centres of each being occupied by the shield and arms of
Liverpool, also in brilliant colours. Exterior to the
circles, the floor is tesselated in comparatively sober tones
of colour, so arranged as to form a harmonious internote
with the bright and telling tints predominating in the
narrow dais or raised platform which surrounds the prin-
cipal floor, and cuts it off from communicating with the
walls. The erection of the organ is well advanced, and so
far as can be judged of from its present aspect, it will, in
general design and in details, fall with good effect into
the arrangement of the purely Italian style of the hall. The
richly decorated and commodious concert-hall is also in
an advanced state of preparation, occupying the upper
portion of the building at its northern end. It will be
furnished with a handsome orchestra, but no organ, and
is surrounded by a tastefully arranged gallery.
Much has been done in forwarding the works within
the last few weeks, and still a considerable amount of
labour remains to be effected; but the committee is urgent,
and the contractors unremitting in their efforts for its
accomplishment, and no doubt need be entertained that
all will be in order for the inauguration. On Monday a
meeting of the St. George's-hall Committee was held,
when a general outline of the proceedings intended to
take place at the inauguration was brought under consi-
deration. Mr. J. H. Turner intimated that the Mayor
was then in London, awaiting Her Majesty's decision as to
opening the hall in person. The services of Sir Henry
Bishop have been secured as musical conductor. In the
event of Her Majesty being present at the opening of the
hall, of which little doubt is apprehended, the following
arrangements have been decided upon :—Her Majesty and
suite will enter the hall by the northern front, and, passing
along the corridors, will issue into the hall by a passage
under the grand organ. A space will be kept clear up the
centre of the hall, displaying the richest part of the
encaustic pavement, over which Her Majesty will pass to
the end of the hall, where, upon a raised dais, will be
placed chairs of state for the Royal party. Persons admitted
to the hall will be seated on forms running its length,
and in the galleries at each side. An excellent view of
Her Majesty and suite will be secured by this arrange-
ment, which will leave the centre free for the passage of
the Queen to the end of the hall. It is calculated that
upwards of 2,300 persons can be accommodated on the
The musical performances will commence as
lelujahajCehstoY ellers, and the pieces selected are the " Hal-
save the Queen" the " Coronation Anthem," and " God
At the conclusion of the Nat' nal An-
them, Her Majesty will retire to the grand jury room, where
refreshments will be provided, and during the repast the
hall will be cleared, to enable Her Majesty to see without
interruption the splendid proportions and elaborately
finished details of the fine hall.

liaTssLlrr
PRESENTATION TO MR. J. B. 11,
ler with his
hßis.
Hartley, of this town, besides being associated
father, Mr. Jesse Hartley, as engineer to the Liverpool
Trustees, holds the appointment of engineer to the Hull
Dock Company. The Hull Dock Company intend to pre-
sent that gentleman with a massive and richly ornamented
three-branch candelabra, of the Alhambra pattern. The
testimonial is valued at 100 guineas, is highly finished,
and is remarkable for its chasteness and novelty of design:
A similar compliment is also to be paid to the secretary of
the Hull Duck Company, Mr. Wm. Henry 11 tam

COMMERCIAL 4. MONETARY NEWS

IF the value of the Public Funds can be
taken as a fair test of the state of the Money
Market, it has presented a very favourable
appearance during the week, there having
been a considerable upward tendency, with but
slight reactionary movements. This view of the
case must, however, be received with some allow-
ance, the rise, though augmented by the important
news of the retreat of the Russians from Silistria,
being partly attributable to the purchases of the
speculators for a fall. Money for commercial pur-
poses has been more in demand, owing to the
approaching termination of the half-year, when
most persons are anxious to have a good balance in
their bankers' hands, with which to commence the
next half-year's account. The returns of the
Bank of England show an increase in the stock of
bullion to the extent of £381,324 ; but the " other
securities" have diminished by £425,707. The
continuous arrivals of gold, and the approaching
payment of the dividends, will, no doubt, tend to
make money cheaper, so that the market may be
considered in a very satisfactory state.
The reports from the Cotton manufacturing
districts show a steady improvement in the demand
for almost all descriptions of goods, and pieces
have advanced, notwithstanding the falling-off in
the demand from India. The home trade is in-
creasing, and Greeks and Germans come more
freely into the market for Goods and Yarns ; while
the Money Market is easier, and political affairs in
the East presenting a more favourable aspect, all
contribute to the improvement of business, as
shown in the advance which has taken place in
our own market. The Wool Trade, both in York-
shire and Leicester, is still very dull, and a large
failure in the latter place has added to the gloom.
The Hosiery and Lace Trades are also very dull.
Some returns, just published by the Board of
Trade, of the state of Railway Traffic in the United
Kingdom, show a continuous and steady improve-
ment in this important branch of trade. It appears
that, on comparing the last half-year of 1853 with
the corresponding period of 1852, the number of
miles open have increased from 5650 to 5811, or
less than three per cent., and the receipts from
£8,515,003 to £9,844,690, or nearly sixteen per
cent. The increase has been on passengers about
ten per cent., and on merchandise nearly twenty-
one per cent. The number of passengers has in-
creased from 40,552,704 to 46,895,417 in England
and Wales, or more than double the population.
A return has just been published of the imports
during the last ten years of the various articles,
exclusive of Grain, which make up the chief por-
tion of the trade of Russia, namely, Tallow, Hemp,
Flax, Linseed, Hides, and Wool. From this it
appears that, as regards Hemp, Flax, Linseed, and
Wool, the quantities taken last year from Russia
exceeded those of any former year, but that Russian
Tallow, on the contrary, shows a diminution, owing
partly to the competition of Australia and the
River Plate, as well as the increasing supply of
Palm Oil from Western Africa.
The return from the Bank of England for the
week ending the 17th of June gives the following
results, when compared with the previous week :
Public deposits ... £3,212,382; Increase £218,714
Other deposits ... 10,513,491; Increase 30,361
Rest ... ... ... 3,194,253, Increase 6,671
On the other side of the account—
Government securities £9,720,499, Decrease £303,982.
Other securities ... 15,374,237; Decrease 425,707.
Notes unemployed ... 6,672,680; Increase 1,005,035
The amount of notes in circulation is £19,700,575,
being a decrease of 2613,530; and the stock of
bullion in both departments is £13,109,377, show-
ing an increase of £381,324,when compared with the
preceding return.

ISSUE DEPARTMENT.
Notes issued £26,373,255 rGovernmt. Debt £11,015,100
Other Securities 2,984,900
Gold coin & bu11'n.12,373,255
Silver bullion ...

£26,373,255
BANKING DEPARTMENT.

£26,373,255

001
Prop. Capital ... 111,5-5.3, Y 6,37. Securities £9,720,499
Rest ... ... 3,194,253 Other Securities 15,374,237
Public Deposits 3,212,382 Notes ... 6,672,680
Other Deposits 10,513,491 Gold & Silver Coin 736,122
7-day & other bills 1,030,41,2

£32,503,5381

£32,503,538

In our SHARE MARKET, during the week, we
had a steady business, with stock scarce, and the
late advance well maintained. This evening prices
are about the highest point of the week, London
stock being close upon 105 ; Midland, 661; Leeds,
66. It is said that London and North Western is
to pay 51, and that the Midland is to give a most
satisfactory report, and an increased dividend—
these prospects of the leading lines tend to
strengthen the tone of the market generally.
Local stocks are steady at former rates. We an-
nex prices :—Caledonians, 311 311 1 14 ; East
Lancashire, 15 13-16; Lancashire and Yorkshire,
651 2 • Leeds Northern, 15 ; London and North
Western, 104+1 +, 1041 4 6
• fifth shares, 1-16 p ;
+ shares [C] -hp ; Midland, 5-1 8i 66+ ; South
Eastern, 191, 19 7-16 ; York, Newcastle, and Ber-
wick, 181 ; extensions, 6 15-16 d; York and North
Midland, 261; North and South Wales Bank, 5 ;
Royal Bank pref. 7 per cent., 1151.
PROM:TM—The markets during the week have
been generally inactive, particularly Sugar and
Tea. Palm Oil has, however, been more inquired
for, and there has been an improved demand for
Tallow.—TO-DAY, the Sugar market continued
steady, and, including Saturday's sales, the busi-
ness comprised 50 hhds. grainy Barbadoes, at
355. 6d., and 5000 bags Bengal, at 38s. to 395. 6d.
for Benares, and at 325. to 365. for Dates. At auction,
this morning, 400 hhds. Louisiana were offered,
but only 60 hhds. were sold, chiefly at 345. to 388.;
50 hhds. Cuba were withdrawn, but 110 hhds. 135
brls. Porto Rico realized 355. to 395. ; 30 hhds. St.
Croix have also been taken sale, by private, at 375. to
38s. 6d. per cwt., both parcels subject to 12s. duty.
Nothing has transpired in Molasses or Rum.
Within the last few days upwards of 1000 bags
Bahia Coffee have changed hands, at 445. 6d. to
455. 6d. per cwt. The Tea sales have only been of
a retail character, at about previous rices. By
public sale, 1400 bags middling Be Rice rea-
lized 13s. per cwt., being a very f rate, and a
small parcel of St. Lucia Logwood £5 7s. 6d. to
£5 10s. per ton.
Corrolf.—The dulness which prevailed at the
earlier part of the week experienced a reaction on
Wednesday, owing to the more favourable accounts
from the seat of war in the East, and the easy
state of the money market. The sales for the
week, up to Friday, amounted to 60,230 bales, of
which 6530 were taken on speculation, and 8300
for export, leaving 45,400 bales for the trade ; and
prices may be quoted 1-16 d. per lb. higher for
middling.--To-DAY the sales amounted to about
10,000 bales, and the market was firm, the ten-
dency being upward, without any positive advance.
The present stock of American is 610,050 bales
against 616,910 at this time last year. The fol-
lowing is a comparison of prices between this year
and last :

New Or]

leans, middling
fair
, midd1ing...............
fair .....

1854.
5 7-16 d.

Uplands,

.

SALES. IMPORTS. STOCK
DESCRIPTION. PRICES. Week Prev'. Week This
ending ously ending year. June 23
June 23 this yr. June 23
Sea Island 7 $330 990 11450
Stained 34 84 30, 680 119570 352540
Boweds 4 64 14050 213640
Mobile 44 54 7910; 117700 ) 21451 679152 610050
New Orleans. 31 84 22170 427640
Pernams, &c. 6 84 1260 22910 458 13360 13600
Bahia, &c 64 63 970: 14750 .... 13768 9760
Maranham 64 7 4701 15770 815 21621 22930
Demerara, &c 2570 370 .• • • 184 100
Revntinn.. . 54 104 52490 788 28981 60080
COZII.W.I.Lic.' 4 101 2301 3260 17 1203 1930
Surat
Madras
1
Bengal 2 160, 1340 974 3770
6023011032720 47539,1242665, 91769

WooL.—The trade has been

vied this week

with the public sales here, which commenced on
the 20th instant, when 10,144 bales were offered
for public competition, viz., 5671 bales East India,
1170 Buenos Ayres, 1071 Turkey, S'fax, Moga-
dore, &c., 797 Egyptian, 447 Portugal, 670 Chili
and Peru, 83 Mohair, 50 Russian, and 185 sundries.
East India was the only description which com-
manded anything like an animated competition,
and• nearly all sold at a shade under the ruling
prices at the late London sales, except good and
middle white, which were fully up to the mark,
and some even a shade higher. For Buenos Ayres,
Chili, and Portugal, there were no buyers to be
found ; and the owners of the Mediterranean des-
criptions not being disposed to meet the market,
they were nearly all withdrawn. From the an-
nouncement of further failures in the worsted
district, and the low price at which English Wools
are coming into the market, it was not expected
that much else but East India would be sold at
these sales, as the descriptions which come into
competition with English as well as low short
Wools, are held comparatively higher than our
home grown Wools: which the trade prefer when