The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-03-03 00:00:00

HEALTH OF TU‘v NS ASSOCIATION

The first annual meeting of this excellent association
was held on Friday, the Worshipful the Mayor, David
Hodgson, Esq., in the chair.
The NI Avon opened the proceedings by stating that
the meeting of lost year was attended by his predecessor,
and that he had, with great pleasure, adopted the exam-
ple of James Lawrence, Esq. He hoped that the report
and the speeches of the evening would redouble their
energies in the good cause for which they had assembled.
All division of party feeling was here set aside, and there
was but one object in view in which all could join. Up-
on the wealth of nations much had been written ; but up-
on the health of nations very little had been written.
Theories, good in themselves, had often been propounded ;
Therefore, while the enlightened men of this and other
towns came forward to plead far better by example than
precept for a better description of habitations for the
poor, it was for others to second their exertions. He
felt that, upon the ground of personal considerations, he
ought to have remained at home ; but he desired, even at
the sacrifice of some personal comfort, to lend the society
his best support. (Applause.)
Dr. DUNCAN read the report, which stated that the
association had not, as had been stated, been established
for the purpose of opposing the local authorities, but with
the view of diffusing knowledge upon the important sub-
ject of public health, and, by doing so, suggesting reme-
dies. The report at great length gave a history of the
establishment of the society, and the different means
which had been adopted to accomplish the objects. The
committee circulated pamphlets and other publications on
the subject, caused lectures to be delivered, and distri-
buted gratuitously 1,500 copies monthly of the Liverpool
I Health of Towns Advocate. The report alluded to the
lectures of Mr. Granger, Mr. Harbord, and others, vs
furnishing important facts.
The TREASURER read the accounts, from which it ap-
peared that there was a balance in the bank of £ll5.
ADAM Flonusore, Esq., moved the adoption of the
report. The society now assembled had no legal or ad-
ministrative power. It had no funds. But the line of
conduct it had pursued was fairly and fully set forth in
the report. There was, however, one omission in the
report, and that was with reference to the zeal and abili-
ties devoted by the medical men of the committee.
(Applause.) The reason of that omission was, because
one of the medical gentlemen had himself drawn up the
report. He then proceeded to state the object of the so-
ciety, and the principle upon which it was founded. Be
said there was an immense amount of disease in England.
He did not mean to say that all disease could he pre-
vented ; but he contended that a portion of it might be
prevented. In the country, 18,000 a year died ; in the
towns, 25,000. To what, then, was this to be imputed ?
To the want of cleansing, drainage, and water. The so-
ciety had circulated •papers, in which it was proved that
Liverpool was the most unhealthy town in the kingdom.
The over-crowding of the population in the town was also
another cause of disease. In London, one in 690 died ;
and in Liverpool, one in 407 died. 'the mortality in Li-
verpool was twice as
great as it was in Birmingham. He
was not raising up a fanciful picture, but he was showing
what was going on daily in the streets of Liverpool. He
then proceeded to explain the effects of poverty in the
shape of moral demoralization. The ague, and also fevers,

had been immensely abated ; but, if this were so, so also
might other diseases be abated. Habits of cleanliness
should be inculcated. He expressed a hope, that this
question would become the great question of the day.
W. RATHRONE, Esq , seconded the motion.
The Rev. THOMAS NOLAN said, that, as the minister
of a district in that town which, as much as any other in it,
stood in nerd of the good offices of this association, he
could not but feel mere than ordinary interest in the de-
tails and success of its proceedings. Giving him credit,
he supposed, for that feeling, the committee that kindly
entrusted to him a resolution at the former meeting last
year, under the presidency of the then chief magistrate,
lint again assigned to him the honour of taking part in
that meeting, under the presidency of a gentleman equally,
respected. He contended that the best method of im-
proving a man was, to endeavour to make him respect
himself. The object of the society was noble and valuable.
Upon the present platform there were men who differed
on a variety of subjects ; and if the society conferred no
other good than this—that it tended to mitigate the as-
perities of classes, it would be of immense service. He
contended that the only way of ameliorating the condition
of the poor, was to be convinced that the disease existed.
Facts were now before the public; and therefore, it was
for the public to take up the subject with spirit and
energy. He felt he should best consult, for the interests
of the association as well as for the convenience and edi-
fication of the meeting, by declining to occupy any longer
the time which was that night more than usually preciciu..
And that the rather, because he was to be followed by
one, the very mention of whose name, by spontaneous
association, called forth notions of genuine philanthropy,
and pure, disinterested, generous benevolence to every
member of the human family, without difference or dis-
tinction. And in bearing that humble testimony to one
that he was proud to call his friend, he spoke that which
he knew, for it was his privilege to be c nnected with
that gentleman himself in the details of an institution
with objects not foreign to those of tbat association. Nor
was there any one whose sympathies ought more properly
to be employed in any effort for the prevention of disease
than he whose services, cordial and efficient, had already
been employed in mitigation of tl'e horrors of it, as at-
tested by the part he had taken in the establishment, the
support, and the contemplated enlargement of the
Southern and Toxteth H spiral. Though the likeness
might be perceived, he would leave to the chairman the
pleasure of naming the respected individual.
J. B. YATES, Esq., in a long speech, seconded the
motion.

The next motion, recorded the gratitude of the meeting
to those gentlemen who had directed public attention to
the great objects contemplated by the Association, and
appealing for more vigorous co-operation, was mcved by
the Rev. W. BEVAN, and seconded by CHARLES RO-
BERTSON, Esq., and carried unanimously.
The Rev. H. HAMPTON moved the next resolution. He
had been a beggar for sometime past, and should continue
so for the next year or two, and he supposed that was the
reason why be had been entrusted with the motion. Mo-
ney was essential for all objects, and surely it was better to
expend money on such an association as that rather than
on hospitals and dispensaries, though they were all rcqui.
site. Did time permit, he would refer to some interesting
statistical facts, collected by Dr. Duncan; and which
showed that the average life of the people of Liverpool was
only 17, whilst in London it was 27. The rev. gentleman,
after referring to some facts respecting disease having gri-
st n from malaria, and particularly from the practice of
conveying the bodies of children to the grave in cars and
coaches, concluded by moving a resolution commending
the future operations of the society to the Lberal support
of the public.
Sir ARNOLD KNIGHT seconded the motion.

The appointment of the officers was moved by R,
SniEL, Esq., and seconded by J. BROMLEY MOORE,
Esq., and carried.
Mr. SAMUEL HoLME moved the thanks of the meet-
ing to the Mayor for presiding, which was seconded by
Mr. H. Harbord, and carried with acclamation.

TESTIMONIAL TO THE REV. R. P. BUDDICOM,
PRINCIPAL OF ST. BEES COLLEGE.

On Thursday last, the students of St. Bees College,
Cumberland, presented to their valued Preceptor, the
Rev. R. Buddicom, the splendid silver waiter, a de-
scription of which we gave it, the STANDARD a fortnight
since. This gratifying testimonial of the .r love and gra-
titude to the estimable Principal of the College was ac-
companied by din following address:—
TO THE REVEREND R. P. BUDDICOM, M.A.
In approaching you, Reverend and dear Sir, to beg your ac-
ceptance of the accompanying salver, we are anxious, as far as
possible, to avoid any lengthened remarks, which, while they
tailed to give full expression to our feelings. would, we are sure,
he eminently repugnant to yours. We cannot say anything that
will more favourably recommend this testimonial to your ac-
ceptance, than that it is the spontaneous and unanimous offer.
ing of those who, during the time that in the providence of God
you have been placed over this College, have witnessed the
exalted piety, comprehensive ability, and untiring ze ;1, which
have raised the College to its present position, and who have
uniformly received from you not only invaluable instruction as
a teacher. but ever ready sympathy as a fr end. The office
which. by God's blessing, you have been enabled to fill with
such distinction to yourself and such benefit to othns, is one
which, in the dignity of its object, and the vastness of its re-
sponsibility, yields t, none. To guide those who, in the provi-
dence of God, are themselves to be the guides of other ; to he
their instructor, who hope to instruct in ttrrn, is surely a high
and re ponsible duty ; but when we consider that the path,
along which you have had to ruide those committed to you, is
that which leads to heaven, and that the instruction which you
have had to give is that which alone can make wise unto salva-
tion, and bring a man peace at the last, it is clear to every capa-
city that the responsibility increases with the loftiness of the
subject. If, however, we have felt the greatness of your re-
sponsibility. and the difficulties.of your station, we have seen
you not only equal, but superior to them all; and in testimony
of this our unanimous conviction, we beg, Rev. and near Sir,
to offer you this small token of our affectionate regard, as,ured

that you will receive it as au evidence of what we would offer
if our affection and ettecm could assume a more .substantial
form.

And now, Rev. and dear Sir, before we take our leave, we
would again offer you our sincere thanks for the many benefitS
we have received, and would express our earnest desire that
the Almighty would graciously b:ess you with renewed health
and strength, that you may be long continued among us, and
that when we who offer this memoi ial for your acceptance
shall, in God's providence. be called to labour in His vineyard,
tilers may be partakers of the privileges which we enjoy. And
we sincerely pray that He who, during your life past, Ins so
eminently blessed you, would continue over you His fatherly
and and ' wave• th

care, .. so guide you and yours t. ..tug ne . es or Lnls
troub'ous life, that you and they may hereafter be broujht into
the haven of His eternal rest.

Signed on behalf of the College,
W R. B. ARTILY, Chairman of the Committee.
CHARLE', PITMAN LONGLAND, Fecretary.
SAMUEL FLOOD. Treasurer.
The reverend gentleman returned the following grace-
ful reply :
TO THE STUDENTS OF THE CLERICAL COLLEGE,
ST. BEES.

My dear Friends,—Allow me briefly and most inadequately
to return my grateful tha ks for the unexpected memorial,
with which you have honoured my connection with St. Bees
College ; and for the most obliging and fr.erdly letter with
which it was accompanied. It is impossible not greatly to ad-
mirc and appri elate the beauty of the gift, arid the affectionate
tone expressed by the givers. Each is remarkable for its worth
—the one for costliness of material, and elegance of execution ;
the other for its goodness, and kindliness of feeling. I deeply
and painfully know that both are very undeserved. My part in
the affairs of the College has been far below its importance and
requirement; but 1 should be thankfir to have been thought
not entirely useless among you. The zealous and able labours
of the Vice-Principal and the Lecturers, to: .ether with the spirit
of love, which has been your own impulse and vide throughout
your College course, have left me only to fall back, with much
respect and regard, upon both : and in this estimate I would
alike include the dear friends who have lelt, and those who yet
remain among us. Pray be good enough to accept the assu-
rance of my deep obligation to your uniform kindness, and my
earnest hope that your individual happiness m. :y be linked by
God in gracious union with your abundant usefulness as Mi-
nisters of his holy Church That you may abundantly receive
the presence and blessing of God, and radiate around you the
good things which He bestows upon yourselves, is the sincere
desire of,

My dear Friends

Your much obliged and affectionate
R. P. BUDDICOM

St. Bees, 27th February,

THE POISONING CASE AT WEST DERBY,

On Wednesday, the inquest on the bodies of the family
named Gilton, at West Derby, who were poisoned from
drinking water from a well, was resumed. The Rev. Mr.
Gilton and Master Gilton were again in attendance.
Thomas Crosby deposed that he was authorized, on I
Monday, to make a strict examination of the drain. He
first caused the main drain to be bared about five feet
from the surface ; and on taking off the covering-stone be
found that the drain had fallen in, and in consequence the
water was held up. He found another drain which he
traced to the dwelling-house, through the colour-house,
and within a yard and a half of the well. This he caused
to be filled with water from the ournp in the back kitchen.
He then caused it to be stuffed with clay to see how it
made its way, and lie found it ma!e its way into the well.
He, that morning, examined the drain, and found it per-
fectly dry. From the examination he made, he was satis-
fied that part of the contents poured into the drain would
make its way into the well. There did not appear to be
any removal of the pumps or pump leads fur a consider-
able period.
Peer Palin, of West Derby, corroborated the witness
as to the water from the colours passing into the drain.
The coroner then briefly summed up. He said it must
be satisfactory to all parties to know that the unfortunate
calamity had been produced by causes purely accidental.
The jury found ti verdict to the effect, that the de-
ceased, John, Jane, and Margaret Gilton, had died in
consequence of having, on or about the 7th instant, drank
a quantity of water from a well on the premises, which
well was, accidentally, casually, and by misfortune, im-
pregnated with a solution of arsenic, the said solution
having oozed into the well from a certain drain contiguous
thereto, and attached to the colour or chemical works be-
longing to the family of the late Mrs. Gilton.
A juryman inquired whether it was the coroner's in-
tention to give any instructions as to how the works
should be conducted for the future, or as to bow the water
in the well should be kept pure.
The coroner replied that he had it in his power to order
the well to be stopped up. He believed, however, that it
was the intention of the surviving members of the family
to stop it up without delay.
The Rev. Mr. Gilton observed that the whole of the
domestic affairs of the family were in his hands at present,
and that it was his intention to take care that the water
from the well was never used again, except it was for the
business carried on in the colour house. The surviving
members would not occupy the premises very long—in
fact no longer than they could procure land elsewhere on
which to erect a suitable factory.
The jury were then discharged.
The bodies of the five sufferers by this most melancholy
accident are now deposited in the family vault at the Ne-
cropolis, Low-hill. The mother and youngest son were
buried at the time their deaths occurred. The other
son and two daughters were borne to the grave on Tues-
day in a hearse.
They were followed in a mourning coach by their only
surviving brother and the Rev. Mr. Gilton.

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.