The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-06-04 00:00:00

LOCAL NEWS.

LAUNCH AT BIRKENHEAD.—On Saturday last, the
new and splendid barque, the Great Unknown, was
launched from the ship-building yard of Messrs. W. and
A. Adamson, Canning-street, Birkenhead. She Was
christened by the lady of onr townsman, Daniel M`NicOl,
Esq., and presented a beautiful spectacle as she elided
majestically onward to her future element.
THE ARMY.—A squadron of the Bth Hussars arrived
at Liverpool, from York, on Saturday, and immediately
after embarked for Dundalk. Another squadron of the
same regiment is expected to arrive here to-morrow, en
route for the same destination. The sth Dragoon Guards
are also expected to arrive here to-morrow, from Dun-
dalk, and are quartered at Manchester.

SINGULAR.—The Mail states that, on the 7th ult.,
about four, a.m., in lat. 44 N., lon., 32 25. all the watches
on board the schooner, Henry Curwen Vickers, master,
stopped, as did the chronometer, and the compasses
pointed in different directions, and were for the time
useless. This continued about two hours, when the
watches and chronometers commenced going and the
compasses acted as before.
BRITISH WINES.—The great perfec ion that is now at-
tained in the manufacture of British wines, coupled with
the great reduction that has taken place in the value, has
rendered these cordials articles of general consumption.
By referring to the advertisement of Messrs. Rose and.
Co., it will be found that the finest qualities, and we know
them excellent, do not exceed 7s. 6d. per gallon. Their
ales and porters, too, are now in prime condition.
ACCIDENT.—On Wednesday morning, a man, named
Wilson, employed as ship-keeper on hoard the Avon, in
Brunswick Dock, slipped whilst walking on deck, and
fell bead foremost upon a quantity of stone ballast, at the
bottom of the hold. He was taken to the Southern Hos-
pital, and, on examination, to the surprise of all, not a
bone was broken ; but he was found to be dreadfully
bruised, although it was hoped not dangerously.

WHITEMAN'S BRUNSWICK HOTEL.-It C:ill be seen,
on reference to an advertisement in another page, that the
civil and enterprising proprietor of this hotel has discon-
tinued for the future racing sweeps, in order, we learn, to
devote more minute attention to the commercial and ge-
neral departments of his establishment—an establishment
replete with every convenience, which must, under this
able management, prove a boon to travellers, and, we
trust, a lucrative investment to himself.
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.—We understand that the
Rev. Professor Hill, of the University of Glasgow, will
preach in St. Andrew's Church, Rodney-street, on Sunday
next, when the friends of the Scottish Establishment resi-
dent in this town will have an opportunity of hearing one
of the most able, learned, and constitutional advocates of
that branch of our national establishment. We further
understand that the Rev. John Cumming, of London,
another distinguished minister of the Church of. Scotland,
will officiate in the same place of worship, on Friday the
14th instant, on the interesting occasion of the induction
of the Rev. Johu Tod Brown, the newly.appointed in-
cumbent.

CURIOUS COFFIN.—A. coffin is being exhibited at No.
3, Lawton-street, the whole of which is of scagliola com-
position made to imitate marbles and other stones. In
the present case it imitates fine Scotch granite, beautifully
polished. The breast-plate or shield is an equally good
imitation of b'ack and yellow marble. The designer,
George Carson, is sixty-eight years of age, and is in indi-
gent circumstances. tie is unwilling to become charge-
able to the parish ; and is exhibiting his workmanship with
a view to avert such a result of adverse circumstances
over which he had no controul. The smallest contribu-
tions will be acceptable from visitors.
ECLIPSE OF THE Moorr.—The skywas delightfully
clear and serene on Friday night, and the progress of the
eclipse was witnessed to great advantage. The moon
rose in the southeast, about a quarter past eight, and at
nine the earth's shadow appeared first creeping over it.
Soon after, the moon was entirely immersed. The great-
est obscuration was at about three quarters after ten
o'clock, and the eclipse ended at twenty-two minutes after
twelve. Soon afterwards the moon was shining in un-
clouded lustre. The eclipse was not seen to advantage in
the south, as the atmosphere was obscured by clouds.
There will be another total eclipse of the moon on the2-Ith
of November.
INTERESTING THOUGH AFFLICTING CIRCUMSTANCE.
—On Sunday last the Rev. J. W. Gouring preached a
most beautiful and scriptural sermon at St. Matthew's
Church, Key-street, in this town. It may not be known
that the reverend gentleman was about two years since
afflicted with blindness, and is still destitute of the great
blessing of sight. He however possesses great fluency of
speech, and through the aid of an intelligent mind and a
retentive memory, was enabled to deliver a very excellent I
discourse, interspersed with numerous quotations from the
sacred oracles. Mr. Gouring was a few years since the
officiating minister at St. Matthew's, and is now stationed
at a church in the metropolis, where he regularly performs
the stated services.

Tun CouNcm.—At the usual monthly meeting of the
Council, to be held on Wednesday next, the proceedings
of the finance Committee will comprise a recommenda-
tion to sell the reversion of a piece of land on the south
side of Myrtle-street, and the west side of Sugnall-street,
upon which a Presbyterian Chapel is intended to be erected
The Dock Bill, as amended and proposed to be amended,
will be taken into consideration ; and the Coroner's
accounts, amounting to £lOl, will be submitted, The
Mayor's communications will comprise an application
from the burgesses of St. Anne's Ward, upon an alleged
vacancy in its representation in the person of Mr.
Hobert Jones, and the bye-laws for the better regulation
of the slips and stages, to prevent accidents on landing
and boating, and to extend the time for landing and
boating passengers and goods at the piers on the steam
vessels going beyond the port.
CHARGE OF STEALING THIRTY POUNDS.--TwO young
men, John Holme, and Swinnerton,, were yesterday
placed before Mr. Richard Houghton, (who was sitting
io the absence of Mr. Rushton,) at the Police-court, on a
charge—the former of carrying off from his employer, and
the latter of receiving a sum of £3O. It appeared that
the prisoner Holme was a shopman to Mts. Hodson, in
Paradise-street, and that on Thursday last she had given
him a parcel containing the amount stated; in gold and
silver, to take to the railway to be sent to Manchester,
but that in place of doing so he had absconded with it.
Notices were publ,shed, and he was found in Handley,
in Staffordshire, by the police, in company with the other
prisoner, Swinnerton, who he said had the money, so that
both were apprehended and sent to this town. Swinner-
ton said be had no knowledge of the money being impro-
perly come by; that Holum had represented to him that
he had received it from relations of his own name in this
town ; that he proposed their joining together in a small
business, and also having a trip to the Isle of Man to-
gether, and that he had given every assistance towards
the recovery of what remained of it. A gentleman in
court said that Swinnerton was respectable and well-con-
nected, and he believed was not criminally to blame.
The magistrate accordingly discharged him, ordering his
evidence to be taken. The prisoner Holme on being
asked what he had to say, said he was sorry for what hid
happened, and was committed for trial at the sessions.

FORGERY.—lntelligence has been received at the
Police-office, that Mr. John Parker, a mill?r and core
merchant, had absconded from H ull, charged with forgery-
It appears that he is about forty•five years of age, that he
was dressed in dark coloured clothes, and that his exterior
is that of a respectable tradesman. He had in h;s pos-
session a £lOO Bank of England note and two £5O notes
of the same bank. It is supposed that his intention was
to go abroad. A reward of .C. 5 has been offered for his
apprehension.

The Directors of the Chester and Birkenhead Railway
have determined to issue Day Tickets, giving parties at:
opportunity of visiting the ancient city of Chester at a
small charge, the fare being 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. from Bir-
kenhead to Chester and back. A reference to the adver—
tisement will show that the time as wr-ll as the pockets of
parties on pleasure has been studied. A grand treat is
anticipated in the city to-morrow (Wednesday),, whea
the regatta will take place, also the review of the Cheshire
Cavalry on the Rcodee.

THE Brsnop OF NEWFOUNDLAND.—On Sunday
morning last the newly appointed Bishop of Newfound-
land preached in Christ Church, in this town, and in the
evening in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Woodside.
After the latter sermon a collection was made in aid of fire
society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts,
when about twenty pounds were collected. 'We under-
stand that his lordship will meet this morning a consider-
able number of the clergy to breakfast, at the Rev. Mr..
Wray's; after which the Holy Communion will be ad-
ministered at St. Martin's Church, when the bishop,
after participating in this closing religious service, prior
to leaving his native land, will be accompanied by the as-
sembled clergy to the Acadia steam-ship, in which he will
take his departure for the performance of the important
duties in the diocese of Newfoundland.

LAUNCH OF THE IRON SHIP " QUEEN."—Yesterday,
a fine iron vessel, built by Messrs. Thomas Wilson and
Co., North-shore, was launched from their building yard,
amidst a large concourse of spectators. She is for James
Hartley, Esq., London, and is intended for the London
and Exeter line, for which she appears to be admirably
adapted. She is 140 feet in length, 22 feet in breadth (or
beam,) 13i feet in depth of hold, and admeasures about
330 tons. Her model was much admired by the nautical
gentlemen present. We have seen no iron vessel, of
whatever size,' more strongly built—her thinnest plates
being half-inch thick ; and, though very sharp at the. ex-
tremities, such are her bearings that she is suited for a
light draft of water. We need scarcely add, that in fi-
delity cf workmanship she is excelled by no iron vessel
yet turned out. A handsome figure-head of her Majesty
ornaments the bow, with carved work on each side, and
on the stern to correspond, representing sea-nymphs,
tritons, marine trophies, six., boldly thrown out in relief
A number of ladies and gentlemen were accommodated
on a scaffold at the bow. At about a quarter to one
o'clock, all being in readiness, the word was given; the
" daggers" were knocked down, and she almost imme-
diately glided sublimely and steadily into her destined
element, amidst the enthusiastic cheers and good-wishes
of the multitude on each side. The ceremony of chris-
tening was gracefully performed by Miss Wilson Green.
She floated very lightly, and presented a very rakish ap-
pearance, She will, we learn, be fitted with engines of
140 horse-power, on the most approved principle, and we
have no doubt will turn out a remarkably swift vessel.
We may add, that " The Duke of Lancaster," the splen-
did wooden ship, (to which we alluded last week) also
built by Mr. Wilson, will be launched next spring tides.
COLLEGIATE INSTITUTION.—On seeing the first an-
nouncement of Professor Greenbank's lectures, we must
confess our minds misgave us as to the manner in which any
man, however talented, could frame his sketches, so as
neither to offend friends by his fulsomeness, or disgust its
enemies by his partizanship; we therefore must admit
that we have been most agreeably disappointed in our ess
timate of the powerful resources which the Professor has
at his command, for we never remember attending a
course of lectures which have given us more satisfaction,
or from which we have received greater delight—his de-
lineation of character, however opposite to political life,
is truly beautiful—his just and honest tribute to genius,
from whatever source, and possessed by whomsoever it
may, is creditable to his feelings as a man, and honours
able to the institution in making so judicious a selection.;
We feel. indeed, that we are at an intellectual banquet, to
which all and every aspirant to intellectual fame is in-
vited. We here recognise no religious or political line of
demarcation, but all, however extreme may be their shade
of opinion, or the various absorbing topics of the present
day, are equally welcome guests ; at one time we, quaff
the nectar from the exuberant fountain of a Peel; at
another we drink from the overflowing and lucid stream
of a Shell; each commands our admiration—each carries
us captive by his intrinsic beauties of language, clothed
in all the decorations of taste, eloquence', and sterling
oratory. This evening, we perceive from the syllabus.
that Viscount Melbourne, Lord Howick, and Lord Pal-.
merston wilt pass under review ; and on Friday, the
learned Professor wilt exemplify the styles of such distin-
guished men as Robert Hall, Dr. Cooke, Rowland Hill.
Henry Melville, and Baptist Neel. The Professor ter-
minates his engagement on Tuesday next, when a selec-
tion of admired readings and recitations will be given,
among which we understand will be " The song of the
shirt." The lecture season of the half-year will likewise
be closed on the same evening.
THE EUPHONICON.—We were last week favoured stt
Mr. Smith's music warehouse with an inspection of
this unique instrument. The first novelty that at-
tracts attention is, that the bass strings rise over the
instrument in a perpendicular frame, precisely repre-
senting the upper part of a harp. The treble strings,
on the right, are within the body. The whole is truly
classical and rich in architecture, the material chiefly
of rosewood, richly empanelled, and decorated with
foliated and scroll ornaments in satinwood and gilt-
The panels at the back (which in this piano is, properly,
the front) are perforated in a beautiful manner, and as
these reach at the bottom to within six or eight inches
from the floor the tone is strong and distinct. The frame-
work and all of that within is of iron—which is found not
only to give additional power, but to maintain more per-
fect tune than wood in any climate. We also saw, at
Mr. !Smith's, the Chryrogymnast, or hand gymnasium,
which is considered by celebrated teachers of the piano,
organ, and other instruments, to be one of the most im-
portant inventions that ever came before the musical
world. The object is the increase of the muscular power
of the hands, and to facilitate fingering in every point. By
means of a little practice upon it, the fingers of the pupil
are made with facility to expand, and to obtain a much
greater flexibility and power than might otherwise be ac-
complished in years : the several exercises, nine in num-
ber, strengthen the muscles of the hands, both in a hori-
zontal and up-and-down direction so that the naturally
weaker fingers soon become equal in power to the stronger,
and thus give the player a command over any instrument
which might never otherwise be attained, however fine the
taste or the ear of the party. We strongly recommend
an inspection of this ingenious, and, at the same time,
amusing instrument, which may be practised in a bed-
chamber without disturbing those who are asleep. The
practice of the Chryrogymnast is equally advantageous
in facilitating skill upon all descriptions of instruments—
is quite independent of the instrument, and so portable
as to be readily packed up in a pertmanteau, so that per-
sons travelling may keep up the flexibility and command
of finger so essential, without even touching their musi-
cal instrument. Mr. Smith has also, in two large rooms,
a most extensive stock of the first pianos, from the " grand"
to the " seven-cottage," with all the latest improvements,
by all the most eminent makers.

SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IV
was held FOREIGN
yesterday P Au Ts— A
evening, meeti
ignotfhtehNe
afriends
na l
sof c
ht hois society
olSchool-room,
m
Birkenhead, and was most respectably attended. The
Rev. Andrew Krux took the chair, ably opened the
business, and stated that the Rev. Secretary of the Parent
Society, who had come down from London with the Right
Rev. the Bishop of Newfoundland, (who is to embark for
the scene of his labours this day) would furnish the
meeting with some details of the proceedings and prospects
of the society. The Rev. Mr. Hawkers, (the secretary)
addressed the meeting at great length, giving an interest-
ing sketch of the society from its commencement, upwards
of a century ago, the difficulties which it had to encoun-
ter, and its excellent effects in every quarter to which its
missionaries have been sent. It was a society, the efforts
of which were more confined to countries to which our
emigrating country men resorted, and its main object was
to propagate the gospel in our Canadian. West Indian,
and Eastern possessions, amongst those of our country-
men who were left without sufficient pastoral aid in the
principles of the Church of England, whilst at the time it
did not neglect the heathen when they fell within the
sphere of its operations. He strongly urged that while so
many thousands were yearly forced by adverse circum-
stances, to emigrate with their families to the wilds of our
colonies, the fact of their being our countrymen, and the
circumstance of our deriving great wealth and power from
those colonies, establish strong claims upon us to lead
to lead them to the utmost of our means into the way of
salvation. Many of the emigrants left this country in al/
but a state of entire destitution, and as they might be
destined hereafter to become the fathers of mighty
nations speaking the same language, the exertions of
the society became the more necessary. He paid, in
conclusion, a high and merited compliment to the Bishop
of Newfoundland, and stated that not fewer than 250
clergymen in British America were to a great extent sup-
ported by the funds of the society, which was greatly re-
duced by the calls upon them.—The Rev. Mr. Baylee suc-
ceeded bim in a feeling address, in the course of which be
yssaallgeprOfVriollgta
aquleottreedr
bfiy-oomuraomr,enproerstpeoeftedthdeioscoecsiaenty,
haigphal
of its objects. lie made a strong and affectionate appeal
in its behalf to the members of his own congregation and
to all present.—The Chairman added a few cogent argu-
ments to those of the gentlemen who had preceeded
He stated that the society had in their service 327 mission-
aries, but could usefully employ many times that number-
He blamed the government for withdrawing a portion of the
grant they had formerly given, but urged that this was
no teal cause of discouragement, as its merits were suit
that when it was fully known to the Christian community,
it could not fail to be supported. A collection was then
made while a hymn was being sung. and after a brier
prayer the meeting separated.

Two young ladies were accosted by a gipsy women, who
told them that for a shilling each, she would show ttiew.
their husband's faces in a pail of water ; which helot
brought, they exclaimed, " Why we only sic oar oTra
faces I" " Well," said the old woman, " those Will be
your husbands' faces when you are married."
DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE IN 1644.—1 n the Perfeei
Occurrence.? of Sept. 11, 1644, it is stated, tbat" one-hail
of the money collected in the city of London, and itt
Westminster, and within the lir,es of communication, to
be sent for the relief of Lancashire, wherein some partset
the people had nothing left t.► clothe them, or bread for
their children to cat, in consequence of the unheard-t;
spoil, rapine, and cruelties, lately committed by the eat.-
my [the royalists]."