The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-02-20 00:00:00

LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

IMPORTANT MEETING OF E RATE-PAYERS

OF BIRKENHEAD.

On Saturday evening last, a meeting of the rate-payers
of Birkenhead and Claughton-cum-Grange, was held, in
pursuance of public notice, at the Town-hall, in the for-
mer place, for the purpose of the Bill for authorising the
purchase of the Monk's Ferry, and the Bill for the con-
struction of the Birkenhead Docks, being submitted for
consideration. The attendance was numerous, including
most of the influential gentlemen of the township and
neighbourhood.
On the motion of J. S. Jackson, Esq. JOHN DEANE
CASE. Esq., was called to the chair.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the business of the even-
ing, said that the rate-payers were called together on this
occasion by public placard, which he would read. (He
here read the notice, to the effect above stated, and which
concluded by adding that copies of the respective bills
might be seen at the Town-hall.) They would perceive
that the meeting embraced two important objects—that of
the bill for the purchase of Monk's Ferry by the commis-
sioners ; and, secondly, the bill for the construction of
the Birkenhead Docks. Both these subjects were well
known to the public at large, and it was therefore need-
less to take up much of the time of the meeting in enter-
ing into details. The township had already derived great
advantage from the purchase of the Woodside Ferry, and
it was fair to infer that a similar advantage would accrue
from the present proposed purchase. He considered this,
indeed, to amount to an absolute certainty. Both sub-
jects had occupied the attention of the commissioners for
a considerable time. They had, through their commit-
tees, made every possible inquiry, and the result had sa-
tisfied them that they could with confidence recommend
the purchase of the ferry to the rate-payers. (Cheers.)
With regard to the other bill—that of the Birkenhead
Docks. it was well known that an opinion prevailed on
the other side of the water that the proposition was a
bubble that would some day burst. He thought, how-
ever, that when it did burst, it would turn out very dif-
ferent from what those people imagined. He thought it
might be better compared to the sun endeavouring to
emerge from the mists that often obscure his rays when he
is rising, but which he soon overcomes, and bursts forth
in his clear and meridian splendour. The employment
which the construction of the new docks would give to
the population of the township, and the amount of money
that would consequently be expended, would also be ad-
vantages that would be generally admitted ; and he should,
therefore, not detain the meeting in dwelling further on
the subject, but conclude by recommending to their notice
the two measures as well deserving of their approval and
adoption. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. W. JACKSON, on rising, said that he had just re-
ceived a communication from Mr. Mallaby, the Town-
clerk, amply accounting for his absence from the meeting.
That gentleman was in London, engaged in the parlia-
mentary business, and attending to the interests, of the
rate-payers, and as his presence was required there early
on Monday morning, he trusted they would not blame
him, as, in order to be present with them that night, he
would have to travel two nights. (Hear.) With refer-
ence to the purchase of Monk's Ferry, from what he bad
heard out of doors., he thought the proposition would meet
the approval of most of those present. Some had been
opposed to the purchase of the Woodside Ferry, as, as
they thought, interfering with the interests of a'few; but
if these parties would reflect, they would come to the con-
clusion that so far from this being the result it had been
of advantage; for the increase in the number of persons
crossing at Woodside had been accompanied by a corres-
pondingincrease at the other ferries, particularly those in
the immediate neighbourhood. He congratulated the
meeting en the disposal, to the Chester and Holyhead
Railway Company, of the Chester and Birkenhead Rail-
way, in consequence of certain circumstances that would
not apply to a large company having a longer line. It was
necessary to complete the purchase of Mosek's Ferry be-
forethe sale of the railway, and if the present opportunity
was lost, an equally favourable one might not again arise.
(Cheers.) He concluded by moving the following reso-
lution :
" That this meeting fully concurs in the view taken re-
specting the purchase of the Monk's Perry property, and
approve of the commissioners purchasing the same, and
sanction their application to parliament for the necessary
power, and to raise the money to pay for it ; and thet,the
act now presented be approved of."
Mr. CHRISTOPHDR BENTHAM-said he bad great 'plea-
sure in seconding she motion, as he believed no one pre-
sent would doubt the propriety of making the purchase.
Some doubts had been entertained as to the policvof pur-
chasing the Woodside Ferry ; but events had shewn that
it was a wise and •judicious measure, as it had gone on in-
creasing in its revenue ever since. The township was ra-
pidly increasing in population and extent, and .one ferry
was not sufficient, even in their immediate locality, for
the general accommodation. The more they could facili-
tate the communication with Liverpool, and identify
themselves with it, the more advantageous to themselves.
It was impossible to span the Mersey with a bridge, and
it therefore became their 'bounden duty to afford all the
facilities in their power to the rate-payers to-cross to Li-
verpool, which, after all, must continue to be the metro-
polis of this locality. It behoved them, too, at the present
time, to look out for contin• encies,—to prepare for the
increasing wants of the township and those connected
with it. Reference had been made to the Chester and
Holyheactßailway, and he had no doubt but that when
that line was completed, the increase of traffic would be
sufficient to pay the whole expenses of the ferry. (Cheers)
He concluded by seconding the resolution.
The motion was put and unanimously carried.
Mr. W. JACKSON in proposing the second resolution,
relative to the docks, said that he had not yet heard any
individual speak against the proposed measure. He had
heard of some who doubted their capability to carry out the
project, but if those persons would review the past efforts
of the originators, he thought they would•arrive at a dif-
ferent =conclusion. (Cheers.). He could assure the meet-
ing that there would be no relaxation,---no holding back,—
no giving way ,—no stone left unturned on the part of those
who bad undertaken to carry out the measure. They had
but one aim in view—to carry on the woek and to give the
whole benefit of the profit to the public. Their object was
to throw open the docks to the world, and to give every
possible faciiity to cunimerce generally. (Loud cheers.)
Doubts had been expressed as to their capability to carry
the measure in Parliament. It had been said that they
had not complied with the standing orders (of the House
of Commons) ; but lie was happy to say they had already
in their progress " passed the standing orders," and earl
next month the bill would be in committee. (Applause.)
If any• op msition to the bill should arisekit must then be
offered.; and if it were, they were prepared to meet it.
With, respect to carrying the bill this Parliament an ample
fund had already been subscribed, and they had no need
to dip their hands into the pockets of the ratepayers for
a single farthing. (Cheers.) The projectors of the mea-
sure would have no other benefit than what would accrue
to the tenants and landowners on both sides of Wallasey
Pool, and the public at large. The measure had already
met with the approval of the various government offices.
He expected no opposition, excepting in reference to the
he
k thet to theno
witibaneeedrraeeent,aanyrhkoreseit
ehnna etpielede. nmol
matter
t dvct
.ewar'
se lnul
epuc
epwsosi ntahr
Liverpool town dues, and as that question had to be de-
cided
artTi
y
cda
rarsy
nt
gs toouotd
t,
haes p
laalnt
tghh the themcoonme
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-disi
pooheanno;yee:
should
irsswds
of the rate-payers the dockt,would be managed by a com-
mittee appointed by them, so that the rate-payers would
have complete control of the Dock Trust. (Cheers.) He
moved the following- resolution :
" That this meeting approve of the steps taken by the
projectors of the Birkenhead Docks, and approve of the
plans as prepared by Mr. Rendall ; and that ,the commis-
sioners be authorised to petition Parliament oa behalf of
tlie township in favour of the same, and that the bill now
presented be approved of."
Mr. JOHN .LAIRD seconded the motion, and the chair-
man was about to put it when
Mr. FORWOOD said that it had been stated in the Li-
verpool Town Council that they (the Birkenhead nropri-
etary) were about to build, not " castles," but docks,
" in the air"; and as he knew it would be interesting to
the ratepayers and the public generally that the question
should be replied to, he wished to know whether the plan
could be carried out for the sum •that had been stated—
£3oo,ooo ; and also whether the money was to be raised
by loan, and how the interest in such case, nearly £15,000
per annum, was to be raised ? For himself, he had no
opposition to offer to the measure. He believed, indeed,
that it would be a national advantage ; but he thought a
reply might disabuse the public mind elsewhere. Would
the £300,000 be sufficient? The contracts were said to
he taken at that amount.

The CHAIRMAN said an answer would be found on
reference to the copy of the bill which had already been
laid before the ratepayers.
Mr. FORWOOD said he should be glad to see the docks
constructed, and thought that if his questions were replied
to the minds of many would be satisfied.
Mr. W. JACKSON said, that if the questions of Mr.
Forwood were answered in detail, nothing could more
thomug,hly arm those who were opposed to the measure
against them. "We go," he said, " before parliament,
and will there prove the merits of our case. What we
have asserted we are prepared to prove before a commit-
tee of the House of Commons, and we shall either stand
or fall by the principle on which we have set out."
(Cheers.)

Mr. FORIN 000 disclaimed individual opposition to the
measure. His object was merely to seek satisfactory in-
formation on the subject.
Mr. JACKSON said that if the money to carry the bill
through parliament were to be derived from the ratepay-
ers, and if it were at their risk, it would be proper to ask
for an explanation of the details; but as it was, he saw
no necessity at that stage of the proceedings to answer
the questions.
Mr. C. BENTHAM said that those who put such ques-
tions had a wrong notion on the subject. The ratepayers
would run no risk whatever in this undertaking. The
projectors borrowed the money to complete them on their
own merits. It was to be raised for the docks alone, and
the ratepayers would not be liable for eitwhearstcpaproitpaelrloy
speaking, or
interest. It would neither affect their rates nor their
property, but as inhabitants they wouldgaienxpalrlestshethaedir.
vantages that would arise from an increase of trade and
population in the township. (Cheers.)
Mr JACKSON
a publicACKSO one,sa said
but th
calledatthe merelymeetins
to
approval of applying for the bill. It required their sanction
for this only, and any one might oppose it afterwards if
they thought fit.
Mr. E. WicLouonnY said that he had perused a copy
of the bill, and found that the responsibility did not at-
tach to the ratepayers, whatever might be the result of
the application to parliament to obtain it.
Mr. JACKSON repeated that neither the township at
large nor the ratepayers would be liable for one farthing,
even if the bill were lost.
The resolution was then put from the chair, and carried
without a dissentient voice.
Thanks were then voted to the chairman.
The CwunmAN, in returning thanks, congratulated

the meeting on the unanimity that had prevailed. This,
in fact, was only a continuation of that union which cha-
racterised the whole of the proceedings of the commis-
sioners. Although he had the honour of presiding over
the board of Commissioners, he could assure those pres-
ent that there was no want of zeal and labour oil their
part, and that they acted throughout with a view to the
general interest; and he felt assured that the ratepayers
generally felt satisfied that their confidence in that body
was not misplaced. Cheers.)
The meeting then separated.

THE ANTI-MONOPOLY ASSOCIATION AGAIN

DEFEATED.

Another meeting, called by the Anti-Monopoly Asso-
ciacion, was held on Thursday last, at Lascelle's Rooms,
Great Richmond-street. The room, which holds about
600 persons, was half filled. At seven o'clock the chair
was taken by some gentleman, who modestly voted him-
self into it, and a Mr. DANSIE, one of the council of the
association, then delivered a lecture, containing about the
usual amount of free-trade trash. He eulogized the ob-
jects of the league, and denounced the land-owners, re-
hashed the old hackneyed speeches of Messrs. Cobden,
Bright, and Co., and promised the meeting that Lord
Morpeth was coming out as a corn-law repealer. At the
close of the lecture, Mr. SAMUEL ALLEN, a factory
operative, late of Manchester, came forward and gave a
detailed account of his experience of 18 years' connection
with the factory system as overlooker, &c. He spoke of
the gradual and systematic reduction of wages by manu-
facturers, and the substitution of machinery for manual
labour, and latterly the employment of women and
children in factories, leaving the man to stop at home and
nurse. Mr. Allen then moved "That it is the duty of
the legislature to protect the agricultural interest of this
country, and that the objects of the Anti-Corn-Law
League is a reduction of wages, and to grind down the
operative classes for their 0411 selfish and mercenary pur-
poses."
Mr. EDWARD PARRY, an operative, seconded Mr.
Allen's motion, and drew the attention of the meeting to
the pauperized condition of the manufacturing districts as
compared with the agricultural districts ; also the entrap-
ping of the agricultural labourers into the manufacturing
districts. He also asked the lecturer a very pertinent
question, namely, " Why did not some of the tyrant ma-
nufacturers speculate in laud, as he frequently saw an-
nouncements by Mr. George Robins of such property for
sale, and if it was so good a thing, as they represented it,
to become landowners, surely they would try which paid
best interest—land or cotton." He also drew the attention
of the meeting to the treatment of children in factories,
and concluded by calling upon the meeting never to rest
satisfied till they had protection to native industry, and
saw the accursed New Poor-Law erased from the statute
books of our land.

Mr. NASH moved as an amendment, "That if the re-
peal of the corn-laws did not benefit the working classes,
it was the ditty of the legislature to tax machinery and
protect the working classes."
Mr. DANSIS, the lecturer, seconded the amendment,
and said that he agreed in a great measure with the pre-
ceding speakers, that machinery was a curse to this coun-
try, and that the working man should be protected.
The CHAERMAN dissented from Mr. Dansie's views of
machinery, and, after repeated calls from the meeting to
put the motion, the amendment was put and lost, when
the chairman admitted the motion to be carried by a con-
siderable majority.
. . _

A vote of thanks to the Chairman was passed by accla-
mation, and the meeting separated, with three cheers for
Richard Oastler, the poor man's friend, and the Kentish
fire.

CONSERVATINE DI NNE R.-PRESENTATION

OF PLATE.

On Friday evening last about 150 of the operative Con-
servatives of the North and South Toxteth Wards, and
their friends, sat down to a dinner in the Toxteth-hall, to
commemorate the victories they had achieved in the mu-
nicipal contests'of the last and former years. The room
was tastefully decorated with flags emblematic of truth
and loyalty. The large and splendid flag presented by
Lord Sandon and Sir Howard Douglas to tare operative
shipwrights, with motto, " For our God, our Queen, and
our Country," was hung from the roof above the chair-
man, Mr. Joseph Harrison, and was guyed out to the end
of the room, thus placing the chair and its supporters
beneath a•canopy formed by the banner under which they
had lonrenergetically fought. The dinner, though plain,
was such as to give the utmost satisfaction.
fruit,tulLktede" tthhee gClottrAiotußsmcAoNn
attached to their Queen and their country,
r
of
s
servntives
ne
rAav afntteei eta avddiedestrsoeersriste theieaht excellentt
attainment mreeene t of which was princi-
pallyproposed
owing t h
et to
eta':
teh
onfs tg,r uomuer nstoasl,ietrye
iogfn hh ee
Qo pueereant,i,v,ew choi
estimationcnh-
c 'rag supporters of the glories ,of our constitution in
was received
whicha manner
the
Sovereignthat at once
is held demonstratedhy the se etlhre
.
Church'i and'State..the operative Protestants of Liverpool.
Queensvere ' was The
Qthenue
Queen
sung
Dowager,"b t e
Themeeting.
nextT"'hGeod
'Duke of Wellington," " Sir Robert Peel and the Con-
-servative Members of the House of Commons," and
" Our Glorious Constitution in Church and State."
These were all enthusiastically received, and were fol-
lowed by the Conservative• Members of the Borough,"
'to whose conduct Mr. Longworth appropriately alluded.
sav
e toastst he
The Chairman then said they had now got a little nearer
home, and gave "The Health of the Conservative Mem
bers of North and South Toxteth Wards." They had
done much for the wards, and he trusted would do much
more. Through their influence they had got Scriptural
education in their schools, and this alone should be suffi-
cient to ensure them the esteem of every lover of
Christianity.; but beyond this be was sure that their re-
presentativesin the council would use their most strenuous
exertions to promote the interests of the town, and the
welfare of their two wards. (Given with three times
three, and amidst tremendous applause.)
Mr. SHEPPARD rose, and thanked the assembly for the
honour they had done him in drinking his health. In no
affair since the commencement of his career in council
had he experienced so much sincere pleasure. The great
mark of respect shown to him was certainly uncalled for;
he had done no more than his duty, and he trusted he had
done it with that zeal and fidelity that met their views.
The support he received from those around him was, in
reality, support to the cause to which they were all mutu-
ally attached. Since last he had had the pleasure of ad-
dressing them several events had occurred, to which he
wished to revert—one of them related to dock extension.
He had read the evidence for and against the proposed
measures, and consulted with men better versed than him-
self in the affair, and, like a faithful juror, had returned
his verdict; one, he trusted, that would facilitate the
commerce of the port, and add to the corporate coffers.
By a map at Mr. Okell's, he found that the corporation
held from 900 to 1100 acres of land at the south end of the
town, while at the north they had not more than about
200, yet he voted for docks at the north for the increasing
steam navigation, and for docks at the south for the ac-
commodation of vessels in the timber trade. He then al-
luded to scriptural education, showing how conclusive it
was to the happiness of all classes, teaching men to love
their God, honour their Sovereign, and respect the law.
He humourously noticed the Irish state trials. The next
toast was "Ships, Colonies, and Commerce," to which
Mr. Jones responded ; after which, Mr. Davies sang a
a song descriptive of the late Irish trials, and the " tailed"
man's visit to Liverpool. It went off with great ecat.
The pleasing duty then devolved on the chairman to
present a silver snuff box, a small token of respect, to Mr.
Short, whose exertions in the cause are well known—he
' having been four years secretary of the association. Mr.
Short, observed the chairman, had stuck to them through
thick and thin, and this small gift was presented as a
slight token of the universal esteem in which he was held.
There were, he believed, only two donors who were not
operatives, and the subscription was limited to half-a-
crown.; Mr. Short might feel gratified in receiving such a
token of respect, but he could not feel more gratified than
he (the chairman) did in presenting it. (Loud and con-
tinued cheers.)
Mr. Snowe returned thanks and said, it was not until
a few hours before he entered the room that he was aware
of such a gift being intended. There were others who had
worked as hard in the cause as he had, for he had done no
more than became a true lover of his country and her in-
stitutions ; when with others they took the vessel in charge,
she was " all aback," the radical breakers were on the
lee, and she was fast nearing them : a whig ship was in
eight, bearing down, but the bunting was nailed to the
mast-head, and bid defiance to the revolutionary blasts ;
they got the sailmaker on board, hauled their wind, and
by good management she was now securely moored, with
her best bower dawn, in a safe haven, where he was sure
the crew were ready when their exertions were wanted.
After again thanking them he sat down amidst deafening
applause. The snuff box was an exceedingly chaste and
valuable one, bearing a suitable inscription.
The health of the chairman, vice .chairman, Mr. Inman,
Mr. Clay, and others were then given, and each of these
gentlemen replied, illustrating the benefits arising from
operative protestant associations, and meetings like the
present one. Mr. Inman saying, every attempt to pre-
vent a mutual good feeling between the employers and
the employed must militate against both parties. Several
excellent songs were sang, and the band played effectively
a new march, called the " Orangeman's March," which
is now being published. After which the company sepa-
rated, all highly delighted, and looking forward to the fre-
quent recurrence of such social meetings.

The inquiry before the coroner, on the body of the in-
fant sent to the vicar of Cheltenham, has terminated,
but nothing was elicited tending. in the least degree to
implicate any person in this mysterious affair.
FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT : FORTY LIVES LOST.--fia.
verfordwest, Feb. 16.—Late last evening an account
reached this place that a fearful accident had occurred at
Lanshipping Colliery, five miles from Haverfordwest.
Whilst the men were at work in the pit, the drift of which
extended about half a mile under a branch of the river,
the water broke in, and forty persons were drowned or
buried beneath the earth which fell on them ; eighteen
managed to get to the mouth of the pit, and were saved ;
Cstehapeene7oamfnd asiontmihneego works
se
it is supposed, will never more be
are completely destroyed. The es-
men was almost miraculous, having
passed those who were nearer out and told them of the
danger; but so instantaneous was the burst of water, that
no steps could be taken to ensure safety. About half of
those who perished were boys ; the remainder were men,
many of whom have left large families who were dependent
on them for support. This most unfortunate evgnt has
spread a gloom over the whole town. Lanshippifig Col-
liery is the property of Colonel Owen, who generally re-
sides there and personally superintends it. He was on a
visit with his family at Sir Charles Morgan's (his father- ,
in-law) when the above accident occurred.