The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1836-02-05 00:00:00

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

On :Wednesday the second quarterly meeting of the town
council was held at the Town Hall, at Twelve o'clock. The
proceedings commenced by the town-clerk reading over the
minutes of the last meeting.

WATCII
The I\l4 rot: said the first question in point of importance
which would demand their attention, would be the report of the
watch committee.

The TOWN-CLERK then proceeded to read the report—lfor
which see our advertising columns.]
The MAvolt.—They had heard the report of the watch com-
mittee ; perhaps some gentlemen had considered the matter,
and was prepared to propose some resolution to the council.
Mr. Councillor SAN OARS thought that the council was ex-
ceedingly indebted to the committee for the very able report
they had drawn up. It was a subject of.deep interest to the
public and to every member of the council, and he thought that
the whole report ought to be advertised in all the Liverpool
journals. He should move " that the report be printed in each
of the Liverpool journals, and that a sufficient number of copies
be printed for the use of the members of the council."
Mr. Alderman STUART seconded the motion.
Mr. Councillor LOGAN suggested that the report should be
first adopted.
The MAvott.--Certainly. Perhaps some gentlemen would
move to that effect.
Mr. Councillor EARLS did not know that the council had
any controul over the acts of that committee. He thought they
were absolute, and the only committee that was so.
The Towx-c LERK.—The watch committee is the only commit-
tee that is not directed to be appointed under the g•eneral autho-
rity of the council. The watch committee had particular duties
assigned to them by the act, but he understood that the report
of the committee was submitted to the council as a matter of
courtesy. He therefore thought the council should take cogni-
zance of it.

I\lr.doun. calor LiwitENcE Would suggest to the town-clerk
to read theB2d section.
The TowN-cLus lc read the section :—to the effect that the
proceedings of the committee were subject to the approbation
of the council. He was aware of that clause, but the power to
appoint the constables was a power given to the watch com-
mittee independent of the council.
Mr:Councillor. I.ANCNCE.—Yes ; but the amount of their
salaries must be paid with the approbation of the council, whiCh
showed that the whole of their proceedingS must come before
the council.

The MAYOR.-With the exception of that part which regards
the appointment...6f voilStibies- •
Mr. Counc4ir2gAni,.on;y wanted to be satisfied on that
Mr. Couneilior Anti*A.Anoved;atir.ol Mr. Councillor LOGAN
seconded the adoption of the report, which was udannuously
agreed to.

Mr. Councillor SANDARS' motion was then put and carried,
"that it he advertised in all the papers."
Mr. Councillor LAWRENCE begged to move as an amend-
ment, on the siltz(r"e,,tion of Mr. COGLAN, that one copy only be
printed, and that it be not advertised.
The MAYOR was afraid Mr. Coglan was rather too late; the
question had already been decided. It was too late to hark
back on it; he thought Mr. Coglan had known better.
The TowN-cLhitic then read the report of the sub-committee.
That committee had at its meeting on Friday last, engaged a
Anther number of sixty-one men. They had also advertised
for tenderstor clothing the men. They had ordered an adver-
tisement to be inserted in each of the Liverpool journals, ad-
vettising for a number of men for the constabulary force. That
they were not yet prepared to report on the lighting and sca-
venging department. At a meeting of the sub-committee, held
that day; a letter having been read from Mr. Parlour, the su-
perintendant of the police, requesting a further hearing, it was
res°l7ed, "that the committee deem it unnecessary to make
any further inquiry into the case, and that the letter he laid be-
foie the council. The letter was then read as addressed to the
chairman of the watch committee as follows:—.,lt having come
to my knoWledge that charges have, in my absence, been made
before the watch committee, I respectfully beg to be furnished
with a.copy of those charges, and that an opportunity may be
afforded me of rebutting that testimony, and of proving my in-
nocence, of whichlaut myself conscious." He ought to read to
them a previous minute of the committee of the '2Bth of January,
`that the committee had taken into consideration Mr. Parlour's
previous examination, and it was resolved that they were of
opinion that there was no necessity to proceed further in the
examination of Mr. Parlour,.or to require his further attend-
ance before the committee."

The MA yo a.—The committee had not thought it right to en-
ter into the subject, but,had referred the matter to the council ;
it would be for their consideration, to determine what answer to
return to that letter.
Mr. Councillor EARLS.—As one of the committee, he could
inform the council that it was from Mr. Parlour's own evidence
that they had recommended that he was ineligible.
Mr. Councillor SHARPLES thought it was but fair that he
should be examined.
Mr. Alderman ROBINSON.—The sub-committee made use of
the word charges. The sub-committee in the course of their
investigation had spent a great deal of time. The charges
against Mr. Parlour were rather things arising out of the in-
formation given by himself than in the shape of charges. He
believed the majority of the sub-committee were not influenced
either for or against him. They found the system under Mr.
Parlour's direction so very bad, and Mr. Parlour so incapable,.
that they could not in their duty recommend him.
Mr. Councillor It:miaow: begged to move "that the council
was perfectly satisfied with the report of the committee, and,
therefore, that there was no necessity to go faither into the
matter."
Mr. Alderman BROWN seconded the motion. • •
After some further conversation, in which it was suggested
that the evidence gone into in Mr. Parlour's case should be
read, and which was negatived,-and in which Mr. Itathbone
thought it a reflection on the watch committee for that council
to examine their evidence, or to call in question their deci-
sions, to which the Mayor replied that all committees were
responsible to that council for their proceedings, and that their
acts were subject to the sanction of that council, and might, if
the council thought necessary, be sent back for their revision,
with the exception of the watch committee in the appointment
of constablei, with which theitiad nothing to do ; and, therefore,
no committee Cottitl 'think .relieefititt•Ost-them if the council
should think it necessary to .94-der them to revise their report.
Mr. Rathbone's motion was then put and adopted.

FINANCE COMMITTEE.

The MA von.—The next subject for their consideration was
the report of the finance committee.,
'The Town-clerk then read the report of the finance commit-
tee at a meeting held on -Frid•iy,. the Isth of January, at which
Mr. Holmes presided.
An application from Mrjames .Pierson for the use of the
.Exhibition-rooms was. declined..
An application that the baths might be repaired.—The sur-
veyor ordered to inspect them for that purpose.
An application for a. grant of land in Hope-street for the
building of a chapel, six hundred free sittings to be reserved as
a recompence.L--rrhe committee could not entertain the ap-
plication.
An application relative to the removal of the powder mills.—
Referred to the town-clerk and clerk of•the committee to report.
- An application from the Gas Company to supply the Custom-
house with gas.—lteferred to the customs committee.
An application from Thomas Taylor for a share of the sta-
tionery orders of the conncil.—For further consideration.
At a meeting of the finance committee held on the 22d of
January, an application from the churchwardens of St. Thomas's
Church for the repairing of the building.—The surveyor to re-
port the state of the building, with an estimate of the cost of
zepairing it.

An application from the Lyceum, for leave to let the unoccu-
pied cellars under the building. Mr. Maxwell t.o see the presi-
dent and report the object for which was wanted.
A resolution to . petition the Board of Ordnance to send an
efficient officer to inspect the powder magazines, and report
thereon.

An application for a lease for some land in Flops-street for a
chapel to be erected. The land to be offered at 15s. a square
yard; not to be used as a burial around.
An application from Ellice Wilmer for a butcher's stall.
Referred to the superintendent of the market.
The town-clerk's and the clerk of the committees' reports on
the state of the powder mills received. An officer, in conse-
quence, had come down from London to inspect them.
An application from Mr. Edward Bourne, for the renewal of
a lease. Granted, subject to a fine of £4lOO

An application from James Harper to alter the situation of
his weighing machine. Not complied with.
Resolved, that the expenses incurred by Mr. Hall in obtain-
ing his appointment be .defrayed.
At a meeting on the 29th of January—Resolved, that the
town-clerk and the clerk of the committees report on the investi-
gation taking place with regard to the powder mills by the
officer. ' _ _

An application from Messrs. Ross and Nightingale for a share
of the council stationery business. To be considered.

An 4PliCtition for relief from Esther Smith, the widow of the
late bridge master. No power to grant it.
Resolved, that an account be furnished of the livings in the
gift of the corporation to the House Secretary's office, a. letter
from that office requesting it.
A report from the sub-committee to enquire into the past ex-
penses since June last read and adopted.
An application from Mr. L Pearson, on behalf of a christian
society, for some land to build a chapel on. That,it be offered
the society for 20s. the square yard.
Resolved, on the report being read, with regard to the appli-
cation of the Lyceum newsroow.—Granted, in the first instance,
for five years; no carts to ply in Bold-street, and accommoda-
tion to be made for getting the goods out of the cellars by a
back way.
The report of the Sub-committee for inquiring into expense:B
since the sth of June last, stated, that on the sth of December
the treasurer had paid over to Sir Thomas Brancker and Mr.
Charles Lawrence the sum, of £105,000 for the endowment of
the clergy. The whole endowment amounted to £4OOO per an-
num. This was payable in addition to the present other emolu-
ments arisin, all of which were paid up to the 25th of Decem-
ber last. Nog part of the corporation property was ever before
mortgaged for any purpose of a similar nature. A letter had
been received from Mr. Theakstone,lnforming them of the
evosian of town dues by the coasting vessels; and a resolution
thanking Mr. Theakstone-for his information. The sums, as
procured for the Church endowment, were then stated to be ac-
cording to the foll Owing items, which were read over by Mr.
Welwood
,Maxwell. On the sth of December, from
J'GsolaerhmonfiruyelHosiottolatnnL,i
Efeo
sirgqt
hh.
Esq.
20,000
13,440
Rayner,.Esq
Deficiency supplied by the Corporation

Making a total of £105,000
The whole of this sum, said Mr. Bolton, was paid over to Sir
Thomas Brancker and Mr. Lawrence.
Mr. Councillor RATHaoNE,moved that these sums be inserted
in the reports, and before that report be received by the council,
the Particulars of those sums be inserted in the report.
Mr. Councillor BOLTON would give the dates of the receipt of
;those sums as well.

After some relative to the Lyceum application,
Councillor Dr.'e ARSON said an applicaticu was made for some
land near the Medical Institution, in Hone-street; he thought
before they granted this application it. would be desirable to
low whether the medical gentlemen conducting that institu-
tion would require more land in that situation, and whether any
tart of the land they were now going to grant would be desirable
'or them.
l4tt Councillor BLACKBURN seconded the suggestion, and
tvrril dtihneggrant be postponed a month to give time to consider
question. It was not from any wish to prevent parties from
the chapel. Some other part of the land might perhaps
o RR well for them.
Mr. CouncillOr MAXWELL conceived that these remarks now
came t.o late.
offer. Councillor BOLTON thought the land was now distinctly
to Mr. Pierson. He thought such a motion as this
h.4`),tilhl be interfering with fair trading, and until Mr. Pierson
iVdeclined the offer they could not entertain the question.
slin7; Councillor JOHN -140LMES thought these observations
c I have been made before the offer was made.
Tilluncillor Dr. CARSON was not aware of it before.
to the MAYOR said the offer was made by the committee, subject
7,sooartnation of the council
`-°tlhCillOr BLACKBURN.—They were there to confirm or

•
not the decisions of the committee; he conceived they were per-
fectly in order.
Mr. Councillor Bo LToN.—Such application ought to be made
through the Finance Cominittee. Mr. Pierson's answer would
be received through the Finance Committee on the next Friday.
He was of opinion that the land question was not now before
the council.
Councillor Dr. CARSON supposed then that tl& Finance Coin-'
mittee proceedings would afterwards come Venire the council.
The MAYOR.—It was for the conned A; 'Say Whether or not
the proceedings of the Finance Committee should be confirmed.
-It was for the council to say whether or not the Finance Com-.
mittee should suspend their proceedings till inquiry be made.
The question now would be that the proceedings of the Finance
Committee 6e adoPted, with the exception of those questions
which were objected to. . N. .
Mr. Councillor BOLTON rose-to make a remark—
The MAYOR begged pardon; Mr. Bolton had risen rather
often on this subject.
Mr. Alderman BROWN thought the premises of the Medical
Institution might be enlarged backwards as much as required.
Mr. Alderman STUART concurred:with Mr. Brawn. If that
were the case there would be no necessity for a delay or refusal
to Mr. Pierson's request.
Councillor Dr. CA RSON.—Thev could not be built backwards.
Mr. Alderman BA RCI. AY.—lf Dr. Carson's request was of a
private nature it would be a different thing; but as it was con.;
nected•with the general improvement and welfare of the town
it would admit of a little attention.
Mr. Councillor BLACKBURN.—If they had not fallen into er-
ror, that that council was the place to apply to on the subject;
they should before have applied to the finance committee.
Mr. Councillor Hour said the land had been advertised for
sale, and.put up to auction, and there were no bidders for it.
Mr. Cottacillor SHIEL thought it-his duty to state, that the
finance committee had certain duties, and a certain responsi-
bility given to them subject to the decision of the council.
He thought it tifiessary that some distinct line should be
Marked out at which their proceedings might be called in ques-
tion without having any reason assigned. Dr. Carson had
stood up, and told them .that, the directors , ofthat medical
institution might at -some fiiture time consider it necessary
to enlarge their building. The same thing was repeated, by
Mr. Blackburn. There was no proposal from those gentle-
men; but that it-might at some future time be convenient
to enlarge the building. Were the proceedings of the finance
conanitteeofie done away with for this ? No proposition was
made, 'and lie hoped the council would not rescind the decision
of the finanCe committee on those grounds.
Ma. Councillor HORNBY, as a- member of the finance Om-
mittee, took quite a different view from Mr. Shiel. Mr. Shiel
seemed to think their proceedings ought not to beltie,ddled•With;
Vbisuivdieal institution-wag to be an improvement of the town,
and he thought it a very fit subject for the council at large to
take into their consideration.
The MAYOR said he had seen Mr. Pierson, and he considered
the offer of the finance committee as pending on the decision
orthe counci' on that day. .
Mr. Councillor -Honk; thought the plestion should be sub-
mitted to the improvement committee, and should decidedly re-
commend that the delay of.a month should take place before
the decision of th& qaieslion.
Mr. Alderman MANS thought the finance committee wanted
to take the power oat of the hands of the council, and he felt
quite alarmed at some of the expressions which had fallen.
What were they there for? Were they to be told that they
were nut to question the acts of any of the committees? If that
was the case they were reduced altogether to a cypher.
Mr. Collticilloi...§HlEl„ in explanation, said it would be wrong
to interfere with the decisions of the finance committee unless
better reasons were given for it than they had heard. That
was all he meadt,to convey.
After some for er conversation the motion was put, "that
the report of the fi nce committee be adopted, with the excep-
tion\ of the offer of l• 'id," and carried. ': • - .
Mr. Councillor EA s LE then moved, and Mr. Councillor SAN-
OARS seconded "that the select finance committee be requested
to suspend their offer to Mr. Pierson of the land in Hope-street
for one mouth."
After some conversation the amendment was agreed to.
COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE DUTIES AND EMOLUMENTS
OF THE PAID OFFICERS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE

TOWN-cLERK AN,D RECORDER.
"The Committekappointed at an adjourned quarterly meet-
ing of the Council of the borough, held on the second day of
January, with full powers to examine and inquire into the du-
ties.anti emoluments o the paid officers of the corporation, ex-
cepting the recorder ann tcFwnclerk, and to report thereon have
proceeded in their inquiry, and do agree upon the following

REPORT -

a.._
" Tr:East:antes OFFICE.—Mr. John Dean Case, the trea-
surer, was appointedin 1820, at a salary of £lOOO a-year, with
two sureties of £5OOO each and himself in £lO,OOO, for the due
performanre or his duties. He receives and pays all monies
due to and by the corporation—conducts the correspondence—
has the superintendence of the office—keeps the cash account
and cash himself; and pays all the bills by orders of Commit-
tees—derives no emolument in any other way, and is restricted
from engaging in any other business.' He has two clerks in the
office, Mr. John Ludlow, whose salary has been £262 10s. per
annum., and who has also an allowance of £5O per annum for
taking eharge of and keeping an account of wine and other li-
quors in the cellars 'of the Town Hall—gives surety to Mr Case
for nw. Ile receives from the paoprietors of the Exchange
Buildings, £52 10s. for keeping their accounts, which he does
at'his own house.
" William Sudlow; 'assistant clerk; was appointed in 1832,
at a salary of £l5O, and connected with the treasurer's office .
is Mr. James Pierson, the outaof-door collector, at a salary of
£lOO per annum. The hours of attendance in the office arc,
from nine to half-past four, except at busy periods, when they
are later.
"'Thomas Corrie, appointed in 1821, receiver of town dues
and anchorage.—His duty is to receive these two branches of
the borough revenue, and hand over his collections, weekly, to
the treasurer. He is assisted by two clerks to whom he pays
ont of his own funds £250 to £3OO per annum. His allowance
at first was £3 per cent on the gross amount of his receipts, but
in 1825 it was reduced to £2 10s. per cent. He has no other
emoluments. He gives security in £lO,OOO for the faithful per-
formance of his duty. His annual nett income (after paying
his clerks) has been on an average of the last five years,
£1121; 10s.-34. The appOintment of the principal auditor of
town dues seem to be nearly, if not quite, useless, no adequate
services being performed for his salary of £lOO a-year. The
assistant auditors, and also the recent appointment of Mr. Ben-
son seem to be necessary under the present mode of collecting
the town dues, but it has been suggested to your committee,
that a better and more economical plan might be adopted, by
their being collected in the Dock Office in connection with the
dock rates.
" the duties of the office of surveyor, held by Mr. Foster, are,
to furnish plans and estimates, to reportupon orders and attend
committees, to see to the performance of contracts, to examine
and certify bills, and to inspect the materials supplied for the.
service of the corporatien, &c. &c: The salary is • £l,OOO per
annum. He derives a further sum of £BO to £lOO per annum
from paatieS taking leases, for counteiapart plans thereon.
'Phis work is done by one of the assistantdraftsme.n in the sur-
yeyor's.office during his hours of attendance there. Mr. Fos.-
ter has also £5 per cent. commission upon the cost of the New
Custom-house now building, but not to be charged upon more
than £175,000; and he is not restricted' from- practising pro-
fessionally within twenty miles of Liverpool, and, with permis-
sion from the council, (which permisSion he states he always
had from them—the mavor or chairman of finance committee,)-
it-maam! does practice elsewhere. In the surveyor's office, Sir.
Weightman has been principal draftsman, with a salary of
£3OO per annum, (having also from Mr. Foster £l5O more for
his private account.) He also practices his profession for his
private emolument.. Ilir. Weightme.n receives sketches from
iii r. Foster, whence he draws plans. He states himself to have
been employed to make estimates, to superintend the erectien
of buildings, to measure work, inspect materials, and ,much of
the business would appear to have devolved upon him. - R. J.
-Barrow, J. Barclay, and J. E. 'Turner, assistant draftsmen,
appointed by the surveyor, paid by the corporation £157 10s.
each, have no emolument except a gratuity of £ls.each; lately
received, unasked for by them. The extent of work assigned
to them fluctuates, and is frequently insufficient to keep them
all employed. In the filling up of future vacancies in the sur-
veyor's office, your committee recommend the appointments to
'be made by the council. The gentlemen filling the last-named
officea have been in the practice of drawing plans for their own
emolument.
"John. Smith, surveyor's out-door assistant, superintends
,new buildings and repairs for the corporation. His salary is
£lO4 per annum. Receives a gratuity of £5."
"Mr. Charles Okill, is clerk of committees; has the custody of
the repositty; conducts the correspondence of his department ;
-prepares petitions for - leases, and calculates their value. Ap-
pointed in 1824, at a salary of £250, increased in. 1825 to £4OO,
in 1826 to £5OO, and in 1828 to £6OO. - Has received'-grants, at
various times for extra services for himself and son, amounting
to £1770. Has no other emolument. Was formerly assisted'by
his late sow et his own expense. Contrasting the duties per.:
formed by Mr. Okill with those of all the other paid servants of
the corporation who have been before your committee, they are
Of opinion that an undue share of I,b;ur is done by him; and
your committee recommend that he should have an assistant,
which the maintenance of the system established by Mr. Okill
requires.
"SartiaatiTsAT-Macit.—Timothy Parkinson has the execu-
tion of all writs issued from the borotigh-court; swears juries
and witnesses; is crier of the court; attends sessions all day,
andjoins in processions. Has a salary of £l3O per annum, and
various.fees. emoluments, &sc. tnakingh is nett income up to from
borough.h
e ou
£4OO to £6OO, which is likely to be augmented by the recent
no
extensionorthebybohuisndaapyrineisnotinftehnet
security, which
Ert.—John Hannah. Attends at the. Town,
gh t o ile
have has
sd
givenorie.
ha;l.Sti;:nlltphel3l\lAal;or on all public occasions ; .has charge of the
regalia. His salary is i:150 perannum ; has no other emolu-
ment, except ss. at every quarter sessions.
i‘ TowN-H.AL.L ESTABLISHMENT.
" On this subject your committee beg leave to remark, that by
a statement appended to the inquiry by the municipal commis-
sioners, it appears that for seven years' allowances to Mayors
amounted to .................. . ................ £B4OO f 1 0
The payments on account of the carriage establish-
ment amounted to .................. ...... 4905 5 1
Ditto for repairs, furniture, pain,ters, &c., of the
Town-hall ... ............................... 7631 19 1
Ditto for 'Town-hall establishment, consisting of
servants' wages, gas, candles, coals, waiters, &c. 3591 5 7
3151 11 7
Ditto for wine in that period • •

£27,688 1 4
or, on an average £3,995 Bs. 9d. per annum ; and by thus ex.
hibiting, in one -view the particulars of which the expenditure
has consisted, the council will be better able to consider, whe-
ther any, an 4 if any, in what particulars the future expenditure
may be diminished.
James Woods, George Barton, and W. Woodward, the
two first with salaries of £5O, and the last £lOO per annum, as
having two districts to attend. Are appointed by the 'corpora-
tion. Their duties are to see that all new buildings are con-
formable to the building act.
" Joseph Darlington, Billet Master. Duties are to quarter
the soldiers according to certain rules, amongst the public-
houses. Salary £lOO per annum.
" Inspector of Coaches and Cars, John Martindale. Salary
£65 per annum.
"CHAIN AND CABLE TRIAL MACHINE.—Your committee
have pleasure in observing that this establishment fully answers
the expectations of the promoters of it, and that it is found to
be useful to the public, and yields a surplus beyond the ex-
penditure.
" HARBOUR MASTER.—Has a salary of £2OO per annum.
Has the entire management of the three Graving Docks. Nova
Scotia; furnishes the treasurer with accounts for collection.
Has a clerk _and messenger under him. He is also water
bailiff, and has charge of the ships and stairs at the river side.
Surveys strand,tl Vessels; and has references to him for trifling
anchors and damage done on the river, for which he makes no
charge. He has also an appointment under the Dock-office,
for which he receives £3OO per annum and no perquisites. The
propriety of a transfer of these Graving Docks to the dock
estate, will doubtless receive the consideration of the dock com-
mittee.
- • -•

THE BATris.—Your committee find that the baths cost
£7 lOs. per Iveck ;',l wages for the attendants; and there being.
ino effivent check upon the receipts, your committee recom-
mend, that if any adequate offer could be obtained from any