The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-11-28 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

DOCK COMMITTEE.-THURSDAY.

Present—Messrs. Moore, (the newly appointed Chair-
man,) Horsfall, (Deputy Chairman,) Holmes, Middle-
ton, Chilton, Smith, Molyneux, Aikin, Holt, Tobin.
The Secretary having read the resolution of the Coun-
cil appointing the chairman and member of the com-
mittee, in the place of Mr. Sands.
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Moore) said the committee
would perceive, from what had just been read that he had
been elected to the honourable position of their chairman.
It was with unfeigned diffidence, and not without consi-
deration, that he accepted so responsible a situation. This
would excite no surprise, surrounded as he was by so
many gentlemen so much better qualified to discharge the
arduous duties than himself. He appreciated the high
compliment paid to him by the Council, and he hoped to
express his sense of the honour by a zealous and impar-
tial discharge of the duties devolving upon him ; but this
he could only hope to effect by their kind aid, assistance,
and co-operation, which he ventured to predict he should
receive. With such co-operation he had no fear of dis-
charging the duties to the satisfaction of the board, of
the Council, and of the public at large ; but, without such
assistance, he felt incompetent, and was convinced of his
inability.
Mr SHAND proposed that a unanimous vote of thanks
be presented to Mr. Sands for the ability and impartiality
with which he presided over the affairs of the Dock
Estate, during the time he occupied the chair. Mr.
SMITH seconded the motion. Mr. EVANS asked what
precedent there was for such a proceeding ; The Secre-
tary said that when Mr. Benn left the chair, two years
ago, a similar vote was recorded. The vote was then
unanimously agreed to.
Mr. EVANS said he thought it would be necessary to
let the Collector of Customs have the use of another tran-
sit shed, in which to store tobacco, in consequence of the
recent large arrivals.
Mr. AIKIN and others objected to allowing the Cus-
toms to have any more sheds; they already had three, and
it was contepded that the transit sheds, which were built
for other purposes, would not have a fair trial if they were
so used. After considerable conversation, a motion to
the effect, that, in case application should be made for the
use of another shed, it should be granted, was. put to the
vote. Seven voted for the motion, and seven against it.
On referring to the act of parliament, it was found that
in divisions, when there was a tie, the Chairman having
previously voted, the question was negatived for that day,
and consequently the matter stands over.
A long letter was read from Mr. Hartley, the Dock
Surveyor, as to landing-waiters' huts, pointing out the
changes which had been made within the last few years as
to their management, notwithstanding the present unsa-
tisfactory state of the arrangements respecting them. It
was suggested that the best plan would be to have a per-
son appointed, at the north and south end of the docks,
to the supervision of the dock pollee, who could also take
charge of the huts. The matter was referred to the Sur-
veyor, to consult with Mr. Whitty, with the view of
making such an arrangement.
The sub-committee appointed to take into considera-
tion such suggestions as might be offered as to the means
of saving life on this coast, in case of shipwreck, pre-
sented their report. It stated that the first step of the
committee was to inquire into the state of the various life-
boat establishments, and they found they had so complete
an establishment of boats, worked on the system of regu-
larly exercising the crews, that they considered the Dock
Committee had done all they could do, so far as they were
authorized by their Acts of Parliament, in the existing es-
tablishment of life-boats. They mentioned,,however, the
suggestion of Mr. Edwards, for an additional life-boat
establishment near the Great Ormshead, and the erection
of a safety beacon on the higher part of East Hoyle Bank,
as a place of safety for persons wrecked near it. The
next point considered by the sub-committee was the best
means of supplying steam power in aiding the crews of the
life-boats to reach wrecks, and to save life. Considering
the outlay in the building of a boat, and the annual ex-
pense in maintaining her, in addition to the expenses of the
present establishment, with tke possibility of her machi-
nery being displaced at the time she was wanted, the want
of a second boat to take her place in case of accident, and
the difficulty of finding a suitable situation wherein
to put her, so as to render her available at all times,
the committee ventured to think the proposition
could not be entertained. The committee also further
stated that as yet the steam-tug boats had been able to
face the heaviest gales of wind, and when these boats
could not go out no other boats could, or if by great per-
severance they managed to pus!' out, no life-boats would
be able to render any assistance. It was an understanding
between the Steam-tug Company and the Dock Commit-
tee, that one of their boats was at the service of the
Marine Surveyor whenever he wanted it, and it was
ordered that one of their boats must take into tow the
first life-boat which was got ready. No remuneration had
been given to the boats in consequence of such services.
The sub-committee concluded by stating that they consi-
dered the Dock Committee had done all they were called
upon to do, and that the Corporation, and other public
bodies, ought to co-operate in the expense of such esta-
blishments. The secretary then read the report of the
Marine Surveyor, presented to the sub-committee. It
stated that the Dock Committee had nine life-boats, sta-
tioned as follows :—Two at Liverpool, two at the Maga-
zines, two at Hoylake, two at the Point of Ayr, and one
at Formby. They have all been built since 1839, are well
rigged, of large size, and great strength, constructed with
air-tight barrels inside, and linings of cork, enabling the
boat to float when filled with water, and crowded with
passengers. On one occasion 50 persons were rescued ;
and these, with the master and crew, made 61 indisiduals
in the boat at the same time. The boats are kept on car-
riages in boat-houses near the shore, and horses are pro-
vided in order to enable them to proceed to the most
desirable point for launching. A gun is fired to summon
the crew, who are so very expeditious that in some cases
a boat has been launched, and on her v‘ay to the wreck,
in seventeen minutes after the signal of distress was seen.
The crews are mustered and exercised once a month.
The report then referred to the difficulties encountered by
the life boats in consequence of the breakers, and pro-
ceeded to state that, notwithstanding the natural difficul-
ties of Liverpool bay, it was a gratifying fact that, in
consequence of the excellent position of the life boat
stations, in the last four )ears and a half there was only
one instance in which the life-boats could not render as-
sistance ; whilst, in the same period, 74 vessels had been
assisted, and 415 lives preserved by means of the life-boat
establishment. The Marine Surveyor proceeded to give
many excellent reasons for disapproving of the life-boat
station at Great Ormshead, and the beacon on West
Hoyle, the latter of which, independently of the difficulty
of parties reaching it, might be mistaken by vessels for
some of the lighthouses, or for a vessel lying at anchor,
and the accidents thereby occurring would fully counter-
balance any good that might be effected by its adoption.
Mr. AIKIN said he was opposed to the appointment of
the committee for fear of its disturbing the arrangement
existing between the Steam Tug Company and the Dock
Committee, which he feared it had done, but the report
would be another instance of the desire of that committee
to protect life from shipwreck. The principal reason as-
signed in the report for not recommending that trust to
have a steam-boat, was the expense of constructing and
maintaining such a boat. Now the great reason which
had weighed with the committee, was, that it would be
doing a disservice to the public and the great object in
view to confine the chance of saving life from shipwreck
to one boat, whereas by the existing understanding with
the Steam Tug Company, they were certain always to
have a boat ready, because several of their boats would
always have their steam up.
Considerable discussion arose upon this point, especially
as to the understanding with the Steam Tug Company,
and a letter was read by the secretary from the company,
stating that no definite arrangement existed between them
and the Dock Committee, so as to render them responsible
for such services. It was stated that the reason of the
company for not entering into any arrangement was this,
they did not wish to be under the control of another body,
who would compel them to send their boats to sea, when,
in their own judgment, it was not prudent to go. The
discussion ended by the report, after some verbal altera-
tions had been made, being received.
A letter from the Steam Tug Company, requesting the
alteration of a crane, at the south of Seacombe steps, was
read, and referred to the Sub-committee.
A letter was read from the New Gas Company, stating
that, as they had no mains laid down where the gas for 75
lamps was required, twelve months was too short a period
to justify them in incurring the expense of laying mains
down, and they, therefore, declined to tender. The Old
Company offered to supply gas for the lamps at the rate of
£4 I7s. 6d. per lamp per annum.
Mr. Nicol, said that was still 17s. 6d. more than the
committee paid to the New Company.
This subject was deferred for another week, in order to
afford time for reports as to the Naptha and Bude lights.

MEETING OF THE DOCK COMMITTEE,

A special meeting of the Dock Committee took place
at two o'clock yesterday, for the purpose of considering
the plans for the proposed new north and south docks, as
prepared by Mr. Hartley. There was a full attendance,
the following members being present :—Messrs. J. Bram-
ley-Moore, (chairman,) C. Horsfall, (vice-chairman,) J.
Aikin, T. B. Barclay, T. Bold, T. Bulley, T. Chilton,
E. Evans, H. Holmes, T. Holt, W. S. Middleton, E.
Molyneux, W. Nicol, T. Ripley, T. Royden, F. Shand,
W. Smith, T. Tobin, S. L, Trotman, and H. R. Sand-
bach.

APPLICATION BY THE CUSTOMS TO RENT TRANSIT

would not be so deficient as was supposed; but if they
went on in this way, increasing at great cost, the rates
must inevitably be increased. The whole timber trade of
the port paid only £lO,OOO a year; yet here was a timber
dock, which cost £20,000 a year. The two other docks
would cost £40,000 each. The rates, he repeated, must
upon such a system be increased ; and, as trustees, they
could not enter into a consideration of the plans until they
knew the cost. .

Mr. TOBIN said that the cost of timber docks was no
argument against their construction, for we could not
wisely exclude timber from our port. There had been a
good deal said about the cost of docks with which he did
not concur, but nothing about the great cost of ware-
houses. The Albert Dock would not do more, he be-
lieved, than any other dock.
Mr. ROYDEN said that at the Queen's Dock there was
accommodation for only two timber ships on the west
side. The Union Dock had for two years and a half been
filled with the ships lying up, out of the Brunswick Dock.
The Coburg Dock had little or no quay space for timber.
The Brunswick Dock might certainly do more, but it
contained many timber ships laid up. He contended, that
unless further dock accommodation were provided, en-
couragement would be given to the other side of the water.
Mr. EVANS inquired if all financial matters were to be
kept out of the discussion?

Mr. BARCLAY said that financial considerations were
entirely put down by the chairman.

Mr. -Evans said -the new docks would entail an addi-
tional charge of not less than £65,000. With regard to
the south docks, the plans they bad there were possibly
the best that, considering the land, the surveyor could

give them. But they were not even in the rough, and
there was no quay room left on the westward. These
plans, in fact, were such a wide departure from anything
that could be agreed to, that it was quite in vain to go
with them to parliament. With respect to the north
docks, he had a better opinion. He would not dwell
upon the necessity, if this scheme were carried out, of
increasing,the rate—already enormous. In the Prince's
Dock, the west side had scarcely ever been half worked
(for timber as we understood him)—a higher rate of
cartage of about is per 1000 feet being charged. He
referred on this point to Mr. Chilton.
Mr. CHILTON said he charged only the same for both
sides—taking them together.
Mr. EVANS said that did not affect his argument, for
if the carters had nothing to do on the east side, the charge
would be more on the west, and (we understood him to
imply) the whole was now divided. The Albert Dock
would do much to relieve the pressure; as upon a large
scale in mechanics, a very small wedge produces the de-
sired effect. It would go far, indeed, to do away with the
present inconvenience. With respect to what Mr. Roy-
don had said of the Queen's Dock, a great deal was done
on the west side in deals, staves, and other miscellaneous
articles which properly belonged to the timber trade. It
had been stated that so far from being discouraged by
what was to be done on the other side the river, we ought
to go on increasing our docks, and consequently our ex-
penditure. This doctrine was contrary to all commercial
experience. If a merchant heard of an article coming in
large quantities from another quarter, it would surely be
no reason that he should himself bring more than he
first intended or thought of before he heard of such other
supply ? It would rather induce him to pause before he
speculated further. And if the Cheshire people were about
to cover the whole floatable area of Wallasey Pool with
docks, at half or quarter the cost that we could build docks
for here, the question arose whether it was not better for
the community to take these docks. The owners of bonds
ought also to be considered. He repeated that the plans
produced would be inadmissible. They were rough and
inchoate. After all, they might come to the conclusion
that the north dock should be constructed first, and that
they should wait to see how that did, before they went
further. They could not with these plans go before the
council—much less to parliament. .

The votes were then taken on the amendment—that the
plans be adopted—and it;was lost by 13 to 7.
No opposition *as given to the original motion—that a
committee be appointed to consider the whole subject of
dock extension, and report.

The meeting then went to fix the number of members
who should constitute the committee of inquiry.
Mr. HORSFALL moved thirteen, Mr. RIPLEY nine, as
sufficient and more practicable, and the other was with-
drawn. Mr. TOI3IN moved, as an amendment, an open
committee of the whole body.

The amendment was lost by 16 to 4, and it was agreed
that the committee should consist of 9; to be chosen on
Thursday next.—The meeting then rose.

LITERARY NOTICES.

A Tabular Contrast between State Affairs and the late
and present Government. By Phiiopatris. London :

C. Mitchell, Red Lion Court

A small pamphlet, under this title, has just been pub-
lished by Mr. Mitchell, which we cannot sufficiently re-
commend to the perusal of our readers, and especially to
our operative friends, to whom it is principally addressed.
At the present moment, when the whig-radical faction are
so anxiously striving to throw dust in the eyes of those
classes, and to array them against the established institu-
tions of the country, its appearance is well timed, and it
would be admirably adapted for an extensive circulation,
as an antidote to the seditious trash with which the league
press is inundating the country. We give as a specimen
of the work the following justly and well drawn Tabular
Contrast" between the effects of whig-radical and conser-

vative governments :
MELBOURNE MINISTRY.
The threatenings of a war
with every Foreign Power

especially.
A raging war with China.
War in Affghanistan.
Boundary Question with
the United States un-
settled. and a bad feeling

existing.
The affairs of Canada un-
settled.
A deep and rancorous spirit
existing between France
and England, with the
prospect of war.

Ireland on the eve of rebel-
lion.

An empty Exchequer—a de-
ficiency of some millions
in the Revenue.
Consols at 89.
Trade stagnant.
Great want of confidence in
the Government.

PEEL MINISTRY.
Peace with every Foreign

Power

Peace in China.
Pease in Affgbanistan.
Boundary Question finally
settled.

The affairs of Canada finally
settled.

Jealousy subdued between
France and England, and
every prospect of a con-
tinuation of good feeling,
insomuch that the Queen
of England visits the King
of the French.

Effective means taken to
prevent rebellion.

The deficiency of the Reve-
nue supplied.

Consols at 96

Trade brisk

Confidence being gradually
restored. Money at a just
rate of interest. Bank full
of bullion.

Manufacturing parishes in
great and awful distress.

Manufacturing districts im-
proving. Workmen returned
to their work.

Iron, timber, and other pro-
duce of the country at
ruinous prices.

Iron, timber, and other
produce of the country at
its real value, at a ready

market

The population of the coun-
try exceeding, by mil-
lions, Church accommo-
dation.

Means afforded to supply
the deficiency, by the
Church Extension Bill.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD

SIR,—As a subscriber to your paper, may I beg your
insertion as a caution to publicans and shopkeepers, that
my premises, situate corner of Eaton-street, Vauxhall-
road, was forcibly entered about six o'clock on Saturday
morning last, during my temporary absence of about an
hour to my works in Naylor-street ; during which time
they broke open the money drawer, but were disappointed
of their booty, as I had taken the precaution of moving the
contents the previous evening. On my return, the thieves
decamped, leaving behind them a crow-bar and a pair of
shoes, now in the possession of the police. It is necessary
to observe, that the police are notoriously inactive in this
neighbourhood. By inserting this in your valuable
paper of to-morrow if not too late, will oblige yours
respectfully,

JOHN HAYES, Vulcan Vaults,

Nov. 27, 1843,

THE MAYOR'S VISIT TO ST. NICHOLAS'S CHURCH:
Last Sunday, being the second after his election to the
civic chair, the Mayor, according to ancient custom, at-
tended divine service, in the forenoon, at St. Nicholas's
Church. He left the Town-hall at a quarter to eleven
o'clock, preceded,by the mace and swordbearers and other
officials of the corporation, and accompanied by a few
members of the Town Council and other gentlemen. It
was intended, we believe, that a public procession, simi-
lar to that on Sunday week to St. Peter's, should have
been formed on the occasion, but the inclemency of the
weather prevented the demonstration from being made.
There was a numerous and respectable congregation at
the church. The chanting, which was taken up alternately
by the choir in the organ gallery and some of the children
of the parochial schools in front of the communion rails,
was most pleasingly executed. The prayers were read by
the Rev. Mr. Wilson, one of the curates. The Rev. Mr.
Campbell, junior rector, officiated at the communion table.
The sermon, which was the annual one in aid of the funds
of the Old Church Parochial School, was preached by the
Rev. Mr. M`Gill, another of the curates. The text was
taken from the first verse of the fourth chapter of Hosea :
" Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel; for
the Lord bath a controversy with the inhabitants of the
land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge
of God in the land." The sermon, though short, abounded
with vigorous and instructive passages. The collection
amounted to £35.

ECLIPSES IN 1844.—There will be three eclipses of the
sun and two of the moon. May 31, total eclipse of the
moon, visible, 10h. 50m. p.m. June 15th, partial eclipse
of the sun, invisible. Nov. 6th, partial eclipse of the
sun, invisible. Nov. 24th, total eclipse of the moon,
visible, 11h. 14m. p.m. Dec. 9th, partial eclipse of the
sun, invisible.

extOinneeticoun. Thererioussour is a law in
ceoftrafficforimullbiusrgthh reateneprohibitingdith
mixed marriages, which people evade by repairing to some
other country to be united ; and the regular steam com-
munication with Hull gives that place a preference. The
Senate of Hamburgh, however, have under consideration
a law authorising marriages between Christians and Jews.
A few days since a butcher in Lurgan, in the plenitude
of his zeal, offered a prime quarter of beef for two-and-
eightpence a puund, payable when the repeal Question was