The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-04-14 00:00:00

THE DOCK COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY

At the last usual meeting there were present Mr.
Moore (the Chairman) and eighteen members.
The Secretary read a report from the solicitor setting
forth the alterations and additions in the new dock bill—
none of them material—and the report was adopted. A
letter was read from G. Maxwell, Esq., president of the
American Chamber of Commerce, requesting the erection
of another warehouse for tobacco, the imports of which
had of late years considerably increased. The import,
which in 1839 was 10,338 hhds , had gradually risen until
in 1845 it amounted to 13,370 hbds. Mr. Maxwell sug-
gested the erection of the additional warehouse at the
north end of the town. The committee expressed their
concurrence in the suggestion, and referred the letter to
the parliamentary committee.
Amongst the minutes of the last meeting of the Council
was one stating that that body could not recognise the
authority of the dock committee in originating measures
for Parliament, &c.
Mr. Nicol, stated that every member of the Dock Com-
mittee then present opposed the resolution when it was
submitted to the Council. An amendment had been
moved to the effect that legal advice should be taken, and
that both parties should be guided by the result. This
was, however, rejected, and the present resolution adopted.
He considered the resolution most unwise. As there
were representatives of the ratepayers on the committee,
it was, he thought, to a great extent, an independent body.
These, he believed, were the safety-valves of the trustees'
power, and were it not for their existence, the merchants
of the town would, before this, have urged a more impor-
tant alteration in the trust. If the Committee consented
to the resolution passed in Council, the object for which
the ratepayers sent their representatives would be done
away with. A difficulty had arisen in Part ament, from
the erroneous impression that the Dock Committee and
the Council were the same body ; and the resolution of
the Council was calculated to confirm this error. As an
illustration of the effects of the resolution, he brought to
their recollection the circumstances attendant on their
last purchase. The Finance Committee fixed on £350,000
as the purchase money ; and, if this resolution had been
then passed and submitted, the Dock Committee had no
option but to give the money. The Dock Committee, how-
ever, of that day, assumed that they were an independent
body, and remonstrated, as they thought the amount too
great. The matter was left to arbitration, and the conse-
quence was, that the land was obtained at nearly £lOO,OOO
less than the sum fixed by the Council. If any man
wished to denude the trustees of the power they really
did possess, no more potent a weapon could be placed in
his hands than this resolution. He concluded by moving
that the following resolution, drawn up by the dock solici-
tor, at his and th chairman's request, be entered on the
books :

" The committee being appointed to carry into execu-
tion the powers and authorities vested in the trustees by
the acts relating to the Liverpool dock estate, and to
manage and conduct their estate and interest in the trust,
and being invested with the right to have, use, and exer-
cise exclusively all and every the powers and authorities
in relation to the execution and carrying into effect the
several purposes of the said acts of parliament, subject to
the rights of the trustees (executing their powers by the
Council of the borough) to annul or make void the pro-
ceedings, resolutions, and directions of the committee, by
two-thirds of the trustees in council assembled,—this
committee will maintain the full and free exercise of all
the rights and privileges transferred to and invested in
them by the before-mentioned acts of parliament; and
they do not acknowledge any right in the Council to ex-
ercise any authority in the management and conducting
the affairs of the estate of the trustees of the Liverpool
docks, or in controlling the proceedings, resolutions, and
directions of the committee, except in conformity with
the same act of parliament."
Mr. AIKIN objected to the resolution of the Council,
who had a sufficient power by their vote of controlling the
proceedings of the Committee. He thought it impolitic,
and that even the appearance of a collision between the
two estates should never have been exhibited.
Mr. SANDBACH seconded Mr. Nicol's resolution. He
thought it would be seen at once bow far the Council and
the Committee were independent of each other, and he
believed the votes given on the resolution of the Council
were more from the opinion of the Town Clerk than from
the conviction of the members themselves.

Mr. MANN suggested that a Select Committee of the
Dock Committee be, appointed to confer with a Select
Committee of the Council.

Mr. ToBIN remarked that if that portion of the Com-
mittee elected by the ratepayers was to be subject to the
instructions of the Council, he could not see that they
were of the least service. They were fixed there by the
ratepayers, to keep the Council in check. He would not,
and he thought they ought not to submit to any such pro-
ceedings.

Mr. RIPLEY and Mr. HORSFALL were in favour of legal
opinions being had.
Mr. AIKIN and Mr. HENDERSON doubted the policy
of Mr. Nicol's motion, and urged its withdrawal.
Mr. MANN proposed an amendment for the appoint-
ment of a Select Committee, which was seconded by Mr.
Henderson, and being put was caned by a majority of 7.
Mr. Nicol, then proposed and carried a resolution to
the effect that the Parliamentary Committee should obtain
the opinion of some eminent counsel on the powers of the
Dock Committee, and their connexion with new parlia-
mentary matter.
The CHAIRMAN announced that the Bury Railway bill,
which approached the docks in a most objectionable man-
ner, and would have prevented them making more grac-
ing docks at the north, had been defeated before the Select
Committee of the House of Cemmons by the opposition
of the Dock Committee.
The board then adjourned.

THE BAZAAR AT THE COLLEGIATE

INSTITUTION,

The arrangements made for the forthcoming Grand
Fancy Fair at this noble institution are now completed,
and having been delighted and not a little astonished by a
glance at the apartments fitted up for the occasion, we
cannot do less then again call attention to their attracti-
ons, which surpass those of any former similar occasion
within our remembrance, in scenic effect, independently
of the excellent object in view—the appropriation of the
funds that may be raised to the general iprpose of disse-
minating useful and religious education amongst the
youth of our town, as well as making provision for a se-
lect library for their use.
The room in which the bazaar will take place, to com-
mence this day, is the picture-gallery, or long-room,
which is lighted from the roof, and this (as we have be-
fore stated) is most tastefully and classically fitted up by
Mr: Briscoe, under the direction of Mr. Bishop, the ta-
lented drawing-master of the institution.
Some idea of the elegance of this apartment may be
conceived when we state that it is about 220 feet in length
and 27 in width, lined and festooned with delicate colored
drapery from end to end, and enlivened by an ample flood
of light. The groundwork is white, with intersecting
blue in the hangings, forming pilasters, and this device is
carried out over the ceiling, with similar curving drapery,
and garlands of evergreens and roses. At one end, and
opening into the main room by large folding doors, is the
refection room, fitted up in corresponding style; and at
the other (as before alluded to) the " post office," to be
kept by a fair lady who will dispense "all the news from
the east," as well as from all parts of the globe, and, if we
rightly conjecture, not a few of the playful secrets of the
moral world in the shape of billets-doux, for the amuse-
ment of the youthful visitants who may desire to " read
their fortunes." When each of the anti-rooms are opened
into the main apartment, the length will, in all, be about
274 feet! The sides are enriched with numerous banners,
national, local, and fanciful, appended from spear-formed
shafts, and with many coats of arms and crests of the
noble families and otherdistinguished individuals who pa-
tronise the institution, as well as national heraldic em-
blems, beautifully emblazoned on shields of various forms,
by the masterly pencil of Mr Bishop. Seen from one end
the whole presents the appearance of a magnificent elong-
ated tent, or rather of one of those sumptuous palatial
apartments of which we read in tales of Arabia.
On each side there is a row of sloping stalls, with a
slightly raised platform behind, covered with carpeting,
for the elevation from the floor of the fair aspirants to
success in this mart of elegancies, which, we are assured,
will be amply and preciously stocked, with all, and more
than all the articles usually exhibited at a bazaar, includ-
ing, of course, a variety of beautiful needlework. There
are in all 21 stalls, so that, in this instance, the " free
trade" and competition of Sir R. Peel will be fully, but
not invidiously, carried out. The table appropriated to
Mrs. T. 0. Cooper, the amiable lady president, is immedi-
ately opposite the central entrance, and is slightly elevated.
Over it is a crown, with sceptre and crozier, curiously
wrought for an African prince; and under this the Royal
Arms, in superb wrought gold embroidery. Her Royal
Highness the Queen Dowager has contributed some
interesting and valuable articles, and these are placed on
separate tables at either end of the room. Amongst the
ladies, (besides the Lady President,) who have devoted
themselves to this good work by taking stalls, are the
following :

Mrs. bartside, Mrs. William Bennett, Mrs. Holley,
Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Hendrick, Mrs.
Hynde, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. P. Wright, Mrs. Warry,
Mrs. J. R. Cooper, Mrs. Burton Wilson, Mrs. Thomas
Wilson, Mrs. Royden, Mrs. John Ashton, Mrs. William
Dixon, jun., Mrs. Christian, and others of our elite and
amiable townswomen.

The noble object in view has been especially promoted
by his worship the Mayor, the Rev. Rector Brooks, Mr.
Edmund Molyneux, Mr. Gregson, barrister, Mr. Gart-
side, Mr. Bennett, Mr. James Procter, Mr. Muncaster
(who, we regret to say, is indisposed, through his exer-
tions and anxiety in this behalf), and others. The con-
tributions of articles have been most liberal, and we
scarcely know to whom to attribute the higher awed of
praise in this respect, all and every one having done their
best. Amongst the liberal donors are also Mrs. J. S.
Leigh, of Childwall, Mrs. Adam Hodgson, Mr. Blundell,
of Deysbrook, Mr. J. H. Macrae, of Bronte House, &c.,
&c. Amongst the stock is a beautiful cushion, contri-
buted by Mrs. Rector Brooks, the work of her accom-
plished daughter. The same benevolent lady has also
contributed a fac simile of the interior of the Female
Orphan Asylum, IVlyrtle-street, with the matron sitting
at her table, and the children, clad in their usual style,
pursuing: their studies. This is valued at 30s. She has
also sent a very handsome bed and bedstead, with blue
hangings complete, and this has been valued at four
guineas. Mrs. Zwilchenbart's collection are extremely
beautiful. She has two elegantly-worked ottomans, valued
at thirteen guineas, and three cushions, valued at seven
guineas, besides a great many other articles of taste and
vertu. The contributions of Mrs. Josias Booker and
Mrs. I. 0. Bold are well deserving of attention.
We understand that Mr. John Abbott, cabinet-maker
and upholsterer, Islington, has contributed to the stall of
Mrs. Hinde, of Edge-hill, a beautiful miniature French
bedstead, of the finest polished mahogany, and with
striped silk curtains, and bedding complete. This is one
of the most elegant and classical specimens of modern
art in the room. Mr. A. having spared no pains or
expense in rendering it perfect and proportionate in
every respect. It is about a foot-and-a-half in length,
and we trust will command an adequate price.
Mr. Lynn, of the Waterloo Hotel, will supply the
tables in the refection room, and we are informed that he
has evinced a truly patriotic liberality, amounting, in fact,
to a sacrifice of self-interest, in the moderation of his
charges. A number of young gentlemen -have gallantly
volunteered their services to officiate as stewards, and we
almost envy them of the delightful but perilous task of
attending to the bevies of beauties who, we fully antici-
pate will throng the rooms. We know not whether any
of them are bachelors of arts; but if skilled in " the
art of persuasive," they will not long remain bachelors in
reality, as they will have ample choice on whom to fix
their errant affections.

Lady Stanley, who is now at Knowsley with her noble
lord, has promised to be present, and will no doubt grace
the assemblage. It will be remembered that the noble
lord himself laid the foundation-stone of the building,
on which occasion he pronounced a powerful and affecting
oration in behalf of the patriotic objects of the institution.

An excellent musical band will be in attendance, that
of Mr. Gribbin, and will play alternately on wind and on
stringed instruments.
The room in which the bazaar will take place is neces-
sarily at the top of the building, being the only one of
sufficient size for the purpose. The spacious stair-case is,
however, of easy ascent, and the attractions above will,
we doubt not, induce to a prolonged stay of the visitants,
who may enjoy, together with a sight of "the fair," (in a
double sense,) a refreshing lounge on the row of seats
fixed along the centre of the room.
The bazaar opens this morning, and will be continued
for three successive days. On the evening of Thursday
(the final day,) the rooms will be splendidly illuminated
with gas, and will unquestionably present a most magni-
ficent appearance.

MEETING OF THE HIGHWAY

COMMISSIONERS.

At the meeting on Thursday there were present seven-
teen members, Mr. Holmes in the chair.
Mr. GLADSTONE complained of the Law-Clerk not
communicating to the Board the contents of the Liver-
pool and Harrington Water Works Bill. It was explained
that the bill related merely to money, might readily be
opposed, and did not affect the rights of the commission-
ers. Mr. Gladstone replied that the bill was so odious
that the sooner it was crushed the better.

The LAW CLERK read a petition, drawn up for present-
ation to the Commons, against the Harrington Water
Works Bill, which was adopted by the Board, and ordered
to be presented forthwith.

A report was then read, comprising a summary of the
proposed Water Bill. In this Mr. Simpson states, that
after a careful survey of the neighbourhood of the town,
Le is decidedly of opinion that he must seek the desired
supplies from the red sandstone, aided by such quantities
of water from seams as can be brought to bear conjointly
with them. The project is to construct works at and in
the immediate neighbourhood of Cto, k 1-louse Bridge,
about six miles from Liverpool, a locality that possesses
natural and most desirable advantages for the purpose.
He expects to be able to obtain from the proposed Kirkby
Works 8,000,0, 0 gallons of water per day, and from
Green-lane Works 2,000,000 gallons per day, after an ex-
tension of the workings and tunnel there, those works at
present being capable of yielding nearly 1,000,000 and a
half, making together 12,000,000 gallons of water per diem.
The water from the site of the proposed works has been
analyzed by Dr. Brett, who has reported most favourably
upon it. The estimates for the proposed works amount
to £250.000. The quantity of water which the project
will allow to each individual of a population of 500,000, for
daily use, for all purposes, will be 20 gallons. Mr. Simp-
son, after stating this tact, adds, in conclusion, that " the
entire of the probable wants of Liverpool present and
prospective, will be provided for to as great an extent as
in any other town oa a parallel with it in the United
Kingdom."
The Report further stated that the Board had secured the
assistance of Mr. W. Cubitt, the eminent engineer, who
would report on the Kirk by Water Works project. The
committee finally state that the negociation on the part of
the Council for the purchase of the Liverpool and Har-
rington Water Works was at an end ; and that the com-
pany were ready to treat with the commissioners for the
sale to them of their works.

Mr. LAWRENCE moved that a public meeting be called
to approve of the measure, or otherwise.
A good deal of conversation took place relative to the
proceedings of the commissioners, and as to whether they
or the corporation were the proper body to proceed with
the plan, in which some angry words passed between Mr.
Procter and Mr. Lawrence. The Chairman said the Com-
missioners had the authority of the Board to take proceed-
ings in parliament, and the requisite notices had been

given.
Mr. COOPER said the corporation were not in a condi-
tion to do the needful for the public. They could not
even buy the Botanic Gardens without laying a rate upon
the inhabitants.

Mr. TINNE moved as an amendment that the report be
printed. It was lost by 12 to 7, and the report was
adopted in accordance with a motion of Mr. Birkett.
The LAW-CLERK read the petition against the bill of
the Corporation, which set forth as unjust that they
(the Board) should be deprived i f the trust reposed in
them and faithfully discharged by them ; and that the bill
of the corporation was unnecessary and should not be en-
ter tained.

Finally the petition was adopted.
An appl cation having been made by Mr. Swift for ex-
empting the Grand Junction Railway Company from the