The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-04-21 00:00:00

ANNUAL VESTRY.

On Tuesday the annual general vestry for transacting the
affairs of the parish was held in St. Nicholas's Church.
The Rev. Rector BROOKS having taken the chair, Mr.
Lowndes, the Vestry-clerk, read the notice convening the
meeting, and Mr. Hart, the Treasurer, read the accounts for
the past year.

Mr. Churchwarden BLRKETT, in moving that the accounts
be passed, said that they contained nothing out of the usual
way, with the exception of one item of £350 from the last
year's accounts which had been transferred back, under an
act of Parliament, to the church account. The balance was
rather larger than ordinary in consequence of the work for
that church having been executed for a sum considerably
lower than the estimates, and in consequence of a legal order
not having been made for the repairs of St. Paul's Church,
which had thrown the work so late that the cost did not fall
within the present account. The church-rate for which it
was intended to apply was the lowest that had ever been laid,
Id. in the pound, which he thought would be amply suffici-
ent to carry the succeeding churchwardens through. On
this subject, however, he would have an opportunity of speak-
ing when it came regularly before the vestry.
Mr. ICN APPER seconded the motion for the passing of the
accounts.

Mr. BIGHAM asked if it was not usual for the parishioners
to be furnished with a copy of the accounts, previous to the
meeting of the vestry. lie thought it was highly necessary
that they should, as it was too much to expect them to un-
derstand and puss an opinon upon the several items, upon
hearing them once read.
Mr. BIRKETT replied, that it had always been customary
to print the general accounts, but this year they had nothing
to decide upon but the church accounts. A great misappre-
hension prevailed respecting the expenditure of the parish.
The greater part was under acts of Parliament : £5OO per
annum was the utmost the rate-payers had under their con-
trol. If the parishioners would go to the expense of print-
ing the accounts, the churchwardens could have no objection ;
but they would not have been justified in incurring that ex-
pense without authority.

Mr. BlGllAM.—We'should have had .£350 less to pay, it
appears, which was illegally expended last year.
Mr. BIRKETT said, it was by a vote of the vestry that the
money had been laid out. He himself had neither art nor
part in the matter. He was unwell and out of town, and on
his return he found a requisition, very numerously and re-
spectably signed, calling upon the churchwardens to convene
a meeting for certain express purposes. They did so, and
the account was laid before the parishioners, and unani-
mously passed. The act subsequently directed the sum to
be paid out of the poor rate, and it was now returned to the
church account.

Mr. BIGIIAIS supposed the fact was, that the senior
churchwarden had expended a certain sum in a deputation
to London, and when he found that the auditor would not
pass it, he had it fransferred to another account.
Mr. BIRKETT.-It was transferred by the act of parlia-
ment.

The CHAIRMAN believed that every parishioner was at
liberty to look at the parish books.
Mr. BIGLIAM said he had gone to the books, and what did
they do? They threw him forty or fifty volumes back, so
that he might have beeu long enough in finding what he
wanted. (Laughter.)
Mr. BIRKETT said, the orders were, that the parishioners
should be treated with every courtesy and respect ; and if a
representation had been made of the proceeding complained
of by Mr. Bigham, it would have been immediately investi-
gated, and the party severely reprimanded. The instruc-
tions were, that every information should be given. They
had nothing to conceal, and nothing was concealed. (Hear.)
Mr. l'aTos, in answer to an inquiry from the chairman,
said the expense of printing the accounts would be about
£lO.

Mr. DOWNEY moved that the church accounts be printed
a fortnight before the meeting of the vestry.
The CHAIRMAN explained that this would be impractica-
ble, inasmuch as they were not made up till the 25th March,
which, when Easter fell early, would not leave time.
.

It was suggested that the accounts should be ready by the
day of meeting ; and in that form the motion was carried
unanimously.

The accounts were then passed, the mover and seconder
being altered to Mr. Knapper and Mr. Hand, to avoid the
informality of the churchwarden moving the passing of his
own accounts.

The next business was the election of churchwardens for
the ensuing year. Mr. R. W. Houghton and Mr. J. Wil-
kinson were proposed.
Mr. KinstrAw, seconded by Mr. KNAPPER, moved the
substitution of Mr. George Riding for Mr. Houghton.
On a show of hands, Mr. Houghton was carried, and Mr.
Kilshaw demanded a poll.
The CHAIRMAN thought Mr. Kilshaw had been too old a
parishioner to put the parish to the expense of a poll, for the
sake of a churchwarden. (A laugh.)
Mr. Arthur Henderson and Mr. Scholfield were appointed
sidesmen without opposition.
Mr. Muncaster, Mr. Ford, Mr. Robert Jones, and Mr.
William Birkett, were named as overseers.
Mr. UncivilAßT nominated Mr. Joseph Henshaw in lieu
of Mr. Birkett.

The amendment being carried, Mr. Houghton demanded
a poll on behalf of Mr. Birkett.
In answer to a question from Mr. Urquhart, the VESTRY-
CLERK said the act certainly seemed to favour the idea that
the poll should be confined to the parishioners present ; but
repeated decisions showed the real construction to be, that
every parishioner had an equal right to vote, the show of
hands being merely a rude mode of obtaining the same end,
which was to get the sense of the parish.
Mr. Lyon and Mr. Gerard were appointed churchwardens
of St. Paul's, and Mr. Helaby and Mr. Hollinsworth of St.
John's.
The VESTRY.CLERY then announced the names of the
seve❑ select vestrymen retiring by rotation, namely, Mr.
John Whitby, Mr. Arthur Henderson, Mr. Saml. Thornely,
Mr. James Mellor, Mr. Doke, Mr. James Gill, and Mr.
Joshua Henshaw.

Mr. William M'Gee was nominated as one of the new
members.

Mr. BIG!' AM said, though he knew little of Mr. M`Gee,
yet he would second the nomination, for such had been the
goings on under the last vestry that any change would be for
the better.

The CHAIRMAN.—That is rather a sweeping condemna-
tion of the retiring gentlemen. (A laugh.)
Mr. BIGIIAM meant to convey that condemnation. Since
recent facts had been brought to light by the stipendiary ma-
gistrate, showing the system carried on under those who had
held power so long—(" Since July last!")—and which they
would have kept secret if they could, the ratepayers were
perfectly justified in rejecting them, whoever they might get
in their places. There was one among the seven who was a
credit to the town, who had exerted himself when no one else
would, when the town was visited with cholera morbus, and
who had received a service of plate for his kindness and at-
tention to the poor.
Mr. ISAAC HoLmEs understood that there was a commit-
tee for the special duty of superintending the workhouse.
He hoped, as the subject had been broached, that their names
would be read over, in order that it might be seen whether
the churchwardens were to blame for anything that had oc-
curred there or not. Olt believed also that the chairman
himself could give some information on the subject, having
seen the working of the system here and in other places.
He was sorry the matter had been propounded, because the
fact was, that the stipendiary magistrate himself, who had
brought the charges against the workhouse management,
stated himself that he had known for nine or ten months
what was going on. Why did he let the matter pass over so
lung ? (Cries of " He did not !" and much confusion.)
Mr. BIGHAM.—He made representations to some parties
then in office: I believe to Mr. Rector Campbell.
Mr. KNAPPER did think Mr. Bigham had been very point-
ed in his remarks. He (Mr. KnaPper) meant to say une-
quivocally, without fear of contradiction, that no blame what-
ever was attributable to the then authorities. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. BIGHam wished to know if the Workhouse Commit-
tee was not delegated by the Select Vestry. (The Chairman

ropitoi lie th affieroottvc) What had th4v tti do, t66a, with
a delegated committee? They had to do with the Board of
Guardiana, of which that committee formed a part.
Mr. BRYDEN thought the circumstance of other workhouses
being ill-conducted was no reason why theirs should be the
same. Two blacks did not make one white. ( Hear, and a
laugh.) Let them conduct their establishment properly, and
set an example to all the workhouses in the kingdom.
Mr. BIRKETT said, he to look this matter calmly
in the face. When, about tour years ago, lie entered upon
office, there was a very general impression that the new poor
law was about to be introduced, in consequence of which the
authorities did not like to go to any expense in the alteration of
the Work house,not knowing whether those alterations would be
allowed to stand or not when the new system came into opera-
tion. The new poor law was introduced, and the following
year neither he nor any of the overseers had a seat at the
board. The parties whose names were now before the vestry
did not enter office till July last. Previously to that an inti-
mation had been given to Rector Campbell that great abuses
prevailed in the Workhouse. The only knowledge he had
had that any thing had been going wrong was gathered from
the public prints ; and he defied any man, either in that ves-
try or out of it, to assert with truth that he ever knew, directly
or indirectly, of one single case of immorality having occured
in any department of which he was an honorary officer, with
the exception of one, of which cognisance was taken. He
believed the charges ranged over a period of sixteen or seven-
teen years, and that the irregularities complained of had been
going on during the wardenship of many of the gentlemen
who sat as magistrates on that enquiry.—(Hear.) With re-
gard to the general charge, he did not believe one-half of it.
He was of opinion that the case had been in a great measure
got up. (" Order !")
The CHAIRMAN said, they were getting a little out of their
line. Their object was to supply the place of the seven ves-
try-men going out by rotation. By such as they might con-
sider worthy of their confidence, and he did not think that
personal recrimination would be of any use in helping them
to make a good choice.
Mr. BINGH AM.—Have we not a right to criticise the con-
duct of those going out ?
The CHAIRMAN.--Only provided you can support your
charges by facts. Unsupported assertions ought not to be
brought against the character of any man.
Mr. WILLIAM EARLE said, he wished to say a few words
in reply to what had fallen from Mr. Birkett. He was not
going to accuse that gentleman of having been aware of the
immoralities that had been going forward in the Workhouse ;
the question was, whether he ought not to have known of
them.—(Hear.) He reminded them of the time when the
new poor law was introduced. He (Mr. Earle) recollected
that at that time a great deal was said about the perfection of
the Liverpool Workhouse. It was a model for the whole
' kingdom. He (Mr. Earle) contended on the contrary that
the new law would be highly beneficial, and he thought it had
proved so.—(Hear.)
Mr. BIRKETT.—In increasing our rates 25 per cent.
(Cheers.)
Mr. DOWNEY wished to know if the new poor law act was
in force in Liverpool.
The CHAIRMAN.—OnIy to a certain extent.
Mr. Dow NEY.—Has not a recent act been got, and if so,
by whom wag it authorised, and at what amount of expense
has it been obtained ?
The CHAIRMAN said it was authorised by the vestry, and
cost about £lOOO ; he thought, however, that this was quite
foreign to the subject before them.
Mr. KNAPPER remarked, that it was not owing to the
want of proper attention on the part of the authorities that
abuses had crept into the Workhouse, but to the want of
room for classification. If the officers had been constantly
in attendance, some improprieties might have taken place.
The individual retiring were then proposed for re-election,
Mr. Urquhart nominating Mr. R. Bright in the room of Mr.
Thornley, and Mr. Wilkinson proposing Mr. Samuel Raw-
land in place of Mr. M`Gee. On a show of hands, Mr.
Rawland and Mr. Bright were declared elected in addition to
the five unopposed candidates. A poll was demanded on be-
half of both the losers.
Mr. BIRKETT moved that the church-rate for the ensuing
year should ,be Id. in the pound ; and in order that there
might be no mistake, lie would state the objects to which it
was to be applied. The expenditure, under different acts of
parliament, amounted to about £3,600. Some repair were
required this year at St. Peter's Church, the cost of which
would be about £3OO. The NilidOWS, it would be observed,
were all falling in. The commissioners of St. Paul's had
now made the order according to law for certain repairs,
which the parishioners were bound to do, and which would
cost about £3uo; a sum of £53 was also to be laid out upon
the organ, making altogether .E4OO. The rest was for St.
Martin's Cemetery and St. Matthias's Church. They had
£2OOO in hand, and the penny rate would provide the re-
mainder. Last year the rate was 2d.
Mr. BtGIIAM considered it his duty to express his dissent
to the church-rate. The sum of money was not large in
amount, but it was of great consequence to persons posses-
sing tender consciences. He did not profess to have a very
tender conscience himself; but he liked, in a straightforward
John Bull manner, to have something for what he paid. If
any persons wanted their consciences seared over or made
strong, let them pay for it as he did his medical men. The
rate was taken for the support of the church. What had the
church done? What. had the church party done for the poor
of the parish ? Why they had forbidden them to enter the
schools to receive secular education. (Hisses and uproar.)
They might hiss as they liked ; but all their hissing would not
prevent him saying what he had to say. Could the poor
children of the dissenters go to the parish church and receive
education ?
The CH AIRMAN.—A great many of them go.
hear.)
Mr. BIGHAM.—They had a conscientious objection to re-
ceive education from the Church of England parsons—
(hisses)—because certain doctrines were taught in those
schools which they did not believe true. They had their
rights of conscience, which were as much eu,itled to respect
as those of any one present. In the wisdom of parliament a
plan had been devised by which persons with tender con-
sciences might receive education. Who put a atop to it?
Was it the church party ? Were they backed by the parsons ?
Yes; the church did it. He begged to move a direct nega-
tive to the proposition—namely, that there be no church
rate

(Hear,

The motion was seconded by Mr. Bouvr.
Mr. JOHN Smirit begged, before the question was put to
the vote, to make a few observations. Liverpool, it was
well known, had the advantage, if advantage it were, of several
special acts for its special government. The general law of
parishes throughout the land was cut to the form and ani-
mated by the principle adapted for this town. We were one
great parish to the extent of the boundaries of Liverpool.
Hence local legislation had been sought, and granted, in
many cases, with good reason. He, therefore, thought that
it would be very honourable in them, if, on the next occasion
when an act of parliament had to be applied for, to say,
touching the question of church rates, that they were a large
and liberal community, and that they felt they had risen to a
position in which they were ashamed to take contributions
from dissenters for the support of their establishment. They
did not hear that the windows of Dr. Raffles's chapel, or of
the Jew's synagogue, or of the chapel in Copperas-hill, were
broken, and therefore there must be a penny rate. (A laugh.)
He had no objection if they did it all round ; but he decidedly
objected to the wealthiest and best supported of the churches
coining upon the poorer classes, who had their own ministers
to pay, and their own places of worship to keep in order.
On this ground he hoped they might speedily claim the great
privilege of maintaining the church in this parish without
laying any burdens whatever upon the dissenters and Roman
catholics. Something was due to long-established custom
and the law of the land, therefore he would not oppose the
rate at the present time. They were likely, however, in a
short time to be visited with another rate. A proposal was
before parliament which would make the parochial funds
liable to the expenses of public education. He was so warm
a friend to education that he thought they ought not to op-
pose it : it was the only leverage by which they could lift the
mass of the people from the barbarism, the vice and ignorance
in which they were plunged. Let the measure then be car-
ried, at the expense, not only of private endowments, but
also of the parochial rates, if found necessary. But if all
paid the rates, let all have the benefit of the education.
(Hear.) Therefore, if the church rate were decided upon, it
was his intention to propose that they petition that no rate
be laid for educational purposes which was not applicable to
a system founded on the principle of doing justice to all par-
ties.

Mr. BOULT asked Mr. Smith if he had ever heard of any
priesthood ever giving up one farthing that they could extort ?
The CHAIRMAN said, that they had an instance of the
kind in this parish at any rate. (Hear.) They might surely
find some specimens of respectability among the clergy, as
amongst any other body of men. It was ill becoming any
gentleman to deal in this kind of sweeping condemnation.
(Loud cheers.)
After some further discussion, in which it was explained
that there was no alternative but to pay the rate, inasmuch
as the rectors could distrain upon the churchwardens for it,
the motion was agreed to.
The CHAIRMAN signified that it would not be in his power
to put Mr. Smith's proposition. The proper course for that
gentleman would be to call on the churchwardens to summon
a special vestry : but as the church was not a place where a
question likely to excite so much party feeling should be
brought forward, he should recommend a requisition to the
chief magistrate to call a public meeting.
The usual sum of £5O was then voted to each of the parish
clerks, in lieu of their fees for the bills of mortality ; £5O for
the Welsh evening service at St. Paul's ; and £5O for an
English evening service at St. Matthias's. The thanks of
the Vestry were voted to the medical officers of the parish.
Mr. KNAPPER wished to propose a resolution pledging
the parish authorities to oppose the bill for the suppression
of fires.
The CHAIRMAN stated that that was a matter they were
not competent to interfere in.
Thursday, (yesterday) at ten o'clock, was then fixed for
taking the polls.
Mr. SMITH moved, that it be a recommendation from that
Vestry, that reporters be admitted to the proceedings of the
Select Vestry.
Mr. WILLIAM EARLE gladly seconded the proposition.
He took credit to himself for having prevented one of the vilest
joi3s that ever were attempted, in the case of the schools at
Kirkdale, by simply laying the matter before the public.
The motion was carried by a show of hands.
Thanks were then voted to the Chairman, and the Vestry
broke up.

CHESTER DIOCESAN BOARD OF EDUCATION

The anniversary meeting of this society was held yester-
day, in the Trait-ling College connected with the board at
Chester, and was most respectably attended. The Very
Rev. the Dean of Chester was called to the chair ; and the
meeting having been opened with prayer, the CHAIRMAN
briefly addressed the meeting ; after which the Hon. and
Rev. HORACE Powis read the report of the board, which
contained very gratifying statements of the success of the
institution.
The Hon. Sir Enwu. CUST then moved " that the report
read be adopted, printed, and circulated." The honourable
baronet, in a lengthy and able speech, pointed out the evils
to the country of the want of proper education, and urged
on the assembly the necessity of affording to the people a
sound religious education, under the controul, and in ac-
cordance with the principles of the Church of England.
The Rev. C. A. Tim kLow, Rector of Malpas, seconded
the motion, and in the course of his observations pointed
out the evils arising from a want of religious education, more
particularly among the agircultural classes of society, and
hoped the Board would be enabled to establish schools and
to afford efficient masters so as to enable farmer's sons to
have the benefit of a true Christian Church education.
(Cheers.)
The motion was put and carried unanimously.
The next resolution was moved by Mr. AUGUSTUS CAMP-
BELL, Rector of Liverpool, seconded by the Rev. HUGH
M'NErt.v; in a most eloquent speech, and supported by the
Rev. John Owen Parr, Vicar of Preston, and was unani-
mously adopted.
The Rev. Canon SL.kne, Vicar of Bolton-le-Moors, pro-
posed that this meeting desire that the whole plan of the
Institution should be accomplished, and in particular that
middle or commercial and agricultural schools should be
brought into full operation, and they earnestly request the
attention of the friends of education to the advantages which
would be derived from this part of their scheme
Liverpool, and supported in an able speech by the, ESWorqs.h.ipof
-
gave a deplorable ac-
count of the state of the population of a manufacturing is
trict, where the education afforded was not under thdirec--
direc-
tion and control of the Established Clergy,
The motion having been carried, Sir S. R. GLYNNE MY.
proposed the thanks of the meeting to the Rev. the' Dean,
for his conduct in the chair ; which,
being seconded by the
Hon. and Rev. 11. Powis, was carried by acclamation. The
proceedings then terminated.

bY1401) OF. TFIE OiliabYTßalit4 Oitatelit IN

ENGLANO

TUESDAY

The annual meeting of the Synod of the Presbyterian
Church in England commenced on the afternoon of Tuesday
last, at St. Andrew's Church, Rodney-street, and was at-
tended by a large number of the clergy, from various parts
of England, and friends of the Scottish establishment,
respecting which much interest has recently been manifested
in consequence of the recent controversy in the sister
kingdom.
The proceedings commenced by a fervent prayer by the
Rev. Dr. Patterson, the Moderator of the Synod for the past
year, which was followed by an impressive sermon by the
same divine. The text was taken from Revelation, 2d chap.
last clause 10th verse, " Be thou faithful unto death, and 1
will give thee a crown of life." At the conclusion of the
discourse the reverend gentleman descended from the pulpit
to the chair provided below, and, having again implored
the Divine blessing, the business of the meeting proceeded
by the Rev. Mr. Rennison, appointed interim clerk in the
absence of the Rev. .Mr. Munro, calling over the roll of the
Synod. Amongst those present were a considerable num-
ber from the Presbytery of London—others from various
parts of the north of England, including the respective
representatives of this town, Woodside, Manchester, Bol-
ton, Bury, Newcastle, Berwick-on-Tweed, &c. &c.
The Chairman then said, that availing himself of the usual
privilege awarded to the retiring moderator, of nominating a
successor for the ensuing year, he should propose as such the
Rev. John Park, minister of the church in which they had
assembled, on whose character as a man and a Christian he
pronounced a high eulogium. The nomination was warmly
seconded by the Reverend Dr. Brown, of London.
The Reverend James Hamilton proposed as an amend-
ment the name of the Rev. Mr. Murdoch, of Berwick, on
whose qualifications he briefly dwelt. He heartily joined in
the commendations pronounced on Mr. Park, assigning as
his sole reason for his preference, the fact that while the
office of moderator had frequently fallen to members of the
Lancashire Presbytery, Berwick had not yet had the honour
conferred upon it, and that the activity and services of Mr.
Murdoch, to the cause in which the Synod was embarked,
strongly recommended him to the favourable consideration
of the meeting. A Member seconded the proposition, on
the same grounds. The Rev. Mr. Clelland, of Bolton,
and one or two others, expressed a hope that the retiring
Moderator would not nominate his successor, but leave the
Synod free and unshackled to make the appointment. Se-
veral members expressed an opinion that the usage was not
to be complained of, inasmuch as the Moderator who had
served them was well qualified to judge of the qualifications
required in his successor, and that it would be wrong to de-
prive him, while he remained chairman, of the privilege of
nomination, which was open to any other member of the
Synod. Some conversation ensued, from a remark of Dr.
Brown, as to whether the amendment did not tend to the
disparagement of Mr. Park, but this was denied by the par-
ties in favour of Mr. Murdoch, and repudiated by Mr. Park
himself. Finally the votes were taken, and there appeared—
for Mr. Park 15, and for Mr. Murdoch 19. The latter gen-
tleman then robed, and, having taken the chair, returned his
cordial acknowledsements, and expressed his deep anxiety to
perform to the satisfaction of the Synod, and, with their aid,
the arduous duties that devolved upon him.
The minutes of the proceedings of the last annual meeting
were then read in short by the retiring clerk, the Rev. Mr.
Munro, copies of which, in an abstract form, had previ-
ously been printed, and were in the hands of the members.
The Rev. Mr. Sawers complained that the pamphlet did not
contain a copy of the overture made to the Synod from a
presbytery in Ireland, requesting that a correspondence
should be established between it and the synod. It was, he
said, merely stated that this was agreed to " in terms of the
overture," but what these remarks were, were not set forth.
A member moved that the overture alluded to, and another
document also omitted, should be printed in a pamphlet of
the proceedings of the present year ; but on an explanation
being given by the clerk and others that the printing of such
lengthy documents would swell the book to a large volume,
and absord the funds at the disposal of the synod; and that
members might procure abstracts by application to the clerk.
This motion was withdrawn. A motion was then passed, to
the effect that the minutes be sustained and adopted.
A committee of the synod, to meet daily in this town du-
ring the stay of the synod, was then appointed, consisting of
the Rev. Mr. M`Lean, Mr. Park, Mr. Lamb, Mr. Camp-
bell, and Mr. Rennison.—The moderator then suggested
that the valuable services of Mr. Munro, the clerk for the
past year, should be gratefully acknowledged, and that he be
requested to continue in office for the present year. Mr.
Munroe returned thanks, but declined the honour from want
of time from other immediate occupations. It was finally
moved and agreed that he should so continue, associated
with Mr. Rennison, of Risley, a gentleman well qualified to
assist him in the duties. Mr. Munro expressed his ac-
knowledgements for the honour, expressing his willingness
to act with Mr. Rennison to the best of his ability for the
benefit of the cause in which they were mutually engaged.
—ln consequence of divine service being to be performed in
the church on the same evening, and it being then half-past
five o'clock, the meeting was then adjourned.