The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1851-01-21 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL FINANCIAL REFORM ASSOCIATION
CAUGHT TRIPPING.—AR advocate for Free Trade, who
considers himself called upon "to purchase in the cheap-
est and to sell in the dearest market," has called upon the
committee of the Financial Reform Association, through
the columns of a Free-trade contemporary, " to explain
clearly and fully what they mean" by the following para-
graph which has appeared, as emanating from them, in
the journal referred to :—" Justice and sound policy alike
dictate the adoption of every possible means of mitigating
that artificial and exaggerated competition from which
both employers and employed are now suffering to a
lamentable extent in almost every department of trade."
MARINE STATISTICS.—From returns furnished by the
marine surveyor, of the Liverpool Dock-office, it appears
that the number of vessels assisted by the life-boats in
1850, was 20, against 25 in the previous year ; that the
number of lives saved in 1850 was 87, against 38 in 1849.
In 1850, 4,729 gallons of oil and 11,024 wicks were con-
sumed in the several light-houses, against 4,795 gallons of
oil and 11,610 wicks in the previous year. The number
of vessels that passed inwards through the Victoria Chan-
nel in 1850 was 13,656, of which number 7,650 passed
during the time the Rock Channel was closed; the num-
ber of vessels that passed outwards was 15,007, of which
number 3,336 passed during the time the Rock Channel
was closed ; total, 28,663 passed through the Victoria
Channel in 1850, against 29,915 vessels in 1849. The
number of vessels that passed through the Rock Channel
in 1850 was, inwards, 3,906; outwards, 4,126; total,
8,032, as compared with 7,648 in 1849.
LECTURE ON ASTRONOMY AT CHRIST CHURCH.—
At the special request of the Rev. Fielding Ould, Doctor
Fisher, the talented Princieal of Great George-street
Academy, delivered, on Friday evening, an admirable
lecture on the sublime science of astronomy. The topics
selected were of deep interest, and, as usual, were treated
in a masterly style by the lecturer ; and profusely illus-
trated, by a series of magnificent diagrams, many of which
were entirely original and exquisitely painted. The room
was well filled by a highly-respectable audience, who
listened throughout with eager attention. The Rev. F.
Oul.d presided, and, at the close of the lecture, intended to
show the intimate connexion of Scripture with astronomy ;
but it was nearly ten o'clock when the dissolving views
were finished, and there was no time for these interesting
remarks. He returned his sincere eratitude to Doctor
Fisher for the delightful treat which they had all enjoyed,
and said that they would never he able to repay him for
his unlimited kindness. He said that his excellent friend,
amid his arduous professional engagements, had always,
when requested, come forward most cheerfully to aid in
every religious and charitable cause. The rev, gentleman
then called upon the audience to give three hearty cheers
for Doctor Fisher, which was responded to with great
enthusiasm.

ST. ANNE'S WARD.—TESTIMONIAL TO MR. WATTS.--
A number of the burgesses, of every variety of political
opinion, properly appreciating the services rendered
through a series of years past by Mr. Edward Watts, as
chairman of the ratepayers' association of the ward, de-
termined some time ago to present that gentleman with
some substantial mark of their esteem. Through the
indefatigable exertions of Mr. Manger, who acted as
treasurer, the necessary funds were soon raised, and the
idea became a substantial reality in the form of a very
elegantly executed silver tea-pot and cream-jug, bearing
suitable inscriptions. The presentation took place on
Tuesday evening last, for which purpose the subscribers,
to the number of 25, invited Mr. 'Watts to a dinner at
the tavern of his neighbour, Mr. M'Candlish, whose
good things of the cuisine were served up in a manner to
reflect the highest credit on his catering qualities. The
chair was occupied by Mr. Manger, and the vice by
Mr. Roger Haydock, both of whom went through their
offices con amore, and quickly managed to imbue with
their own convivial qualities the entire company. Among
the company present were, in addition to the chairman
and vice-chairman, Mr. 'Woodruff, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Jas.
Hughes, Mr. Fairhurst, Mr. Kitchen, Mr. Butcher, Dr.
Bradley, Mr. M'Bryde, and Mr. Fletcher, &c.
ERECTION OF A NEW SOAPERY.—A very extensive
soapery has been erected at Elesmere Port, by Messrs.
W. and J. Walker, of Birkenhead, for Messrs. Davies,
Layton and Co„ a firm whose improvements in the manu-
facture of that important article promise not only to lead
to an extensive celebrity, but to produce a complete sani-
tary revolution. A few weeks since we received a small
packet, containing samples of the three kinds of soap (the
oxykali, white, and salt water soap) produced at this ma-
nufacture, and having had them tested with every severity,
we cannot withhold awarding our highest commendations.
The oxykali soap possesses almost magical properties, in
fact it will lead to the abolition of one-half the nuisance
of the washing-day, so rapid are its effects on application.
Though it is slightly higher in price, it is much more
economical than the ordinary article ; for, being manu-
factured without the introduction of water, it is uniformly
hard throughout, and the crystaline grain is preserved in
its purity. No housekeeper should lose a moment in
giving it a trial, as with confidence we state that it will be
deemed a boon to society. The sea soap we submitted to
one of our leading councillors, who has expressed his high
approval of its properties. Every preparation he had pre-
viously tried had failed, and he urges the necessity (on
sanitary grounds) of its being supplied with emigrant
stores. It is certainly an invaluable article.
WRECK OF THE SCREW-STEAMER " NAUTILUS."—
During the week the coasts of Great Britain have been
visited with severe gales, with the usual disastrous results
to the shipping, numerous vessels having been wrecked
and disabled. On Friday no less than five vessels were
forced to put back into the Mersey, each having been by
some accident, hindered from proceeding on her voyage.
Intelligence was received in Liverpool, on Thursday, of
the loss, on Tuesday of the screw-steamer Nautilus, 'on
some rocks situate near Holyhead, well known as the
Skerries Platters. The Nautilus, which belongs to the
General Screw-steam Shipping Company, was coming
round here from London, laden with about 2,000 sacks of
flour and seven or eight cases of wine. She was telegrap-
hed at Holyhead at half-past 10, and struck on the rocks
above-mentioned about an hour afterwards. Nine of the
men immediately possessed themselves of t:,e long boat
without the:orders from the captain and floated it, and as
they have not been heard of since, it is supposed that in
consequence of the heavy sea running at the time, they
are all drowned. The commander, Captain Pearson, the
mate, tiro engineers, and one seaman, who got into one of
the boats, were all saved. Mr. Owen, one of the agents
of the company, left Liverpool on Friday for the scene of
the wreck, and anticipates the Nautilus will float again
without receiving any serious damage. She is about 300
tons burthen, and has not been long afloat.
TESTIMONIAL TO AN AUSTRALIAN COMMANDER.--
The following feeling address was presented to Captain
Daly, the commander of one of Messrs. Gibbs, Bright
and Co.'s new line of packets, on the completion of her
last voyage :
" We, the undersigned, first and second cabin passengers by
the ship Condor, from Liverpool to Port Philip and Adelaide,
would hereby express our high admiration of the character
and abilities of William Daly, Esq., commander of that ship,
and would convey to him our unfeigned gratitude for his
unceasing attention to his arduous duties, and for the uniform
kindness displayed by him to all the passengers in the ship.
We feel quite assured that no efforts were spared by him to
make a'l parties comfortable as to their own circumstances
and as to their intercourse with each other. To this cause
chiefly we trace the fact of the voyage having been made with
a harmony among all parties seldom equalled, and which could
not well be surpassed. In leaving the ship, therefore, we
would give this expression to our most earnest desires for the
continued welfare and increasing prosperity of Captain Daly ;
and to our firm conviction that such as may sail with him in
future will have every possible reason for being highly satisfied
with him, and with the noble ship which he so ably commands
—a ship which, for ease, comfort, and sailing properties, could
not be surpassed. We would also express through Captain
Daly, our high satisfaction with the uniform civility and
attention of the officers and crew of the ship, and our desires
for their future happiness."
This credential was signed by all the first and second
cabin passengers, and another letter of thanks was pre- j
sented from the steerage by the whole body of emigrants.
It was equally flattering as the above.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO CAPT. DE COURCY.—
On Thursday evening a number of the friends and admi-
rers, principally shippers, of Capt. De Courcy, formerly
commander of the Cambridge, but recently appointed to
the command of the old black-ball liner Montezuma,
invited that gentleman to a dinner at the Grecian Hotel,
to celebrate the occasion of his appointment to Marshall's
line. About twenty-five gentlemen sat down, and the
cuisine was conducted by Messrs. Cott and Higgs with
their usual taste and ability. Captain Furber, of the Isaac
Wright. of the same line, occupied the chair, and Mr.
Robert Walker the vice-chair. The toast of "The Queen,"
given from the chair, and enthusiastically responded to,
was followed by, " The President of America," which re-
ceived all due honour by the company. After the other
usual toasts had been drank, the Chairman proposed
" The health of Captain de Courcy, and success to the
packet-ship Montezuma," which was drank with great
applause. Captain de Courcy made a brief, but suitable,
reply, in the course of which he stated, that he had risen
from a man before the mast to the position which he now
occupies, and he felt a pride in saying so. The Vice-
chairman gave, " The town and trade of Liverpool," and
coupled with it the name of Mr. John Roskell, of Aig-
burth, who suitably acknowledged the compliment, and
concluded by proposing " The health of Capt. Furber."
The Chairman, in replying claimed to share a portion of
the honour cherished by Captain de Courcy, as he himself
could also boast of having risen from a humble rank. Mr.
Lord replied to the toast of " The agents of the black ball
line, Messrs. Baring and Co." Success was then drank to
" Train's line," and " The press," and a number of other
toasts were subsequently given."
PRESENTATION OF PLATE AT OXTON.—For some time
past it has been contemplated, by a number of the rate

payers of Oxton, to present to Robert Wilson, Esq., the
honorary treasurer of the township, some testimonial that
should mark the high esteem in which he was held, and
convey the gratitude felt for the energy and attention he

had, through a series of years, devoted gratuitously to the
welfare of the township. This intention was consummated
on Tuesday evening last, when a sumptuous dinner was
provided at the Queen's Arms Hotel, the attendance at
which exceeded, in numbers and respectability, any
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meeting previously held in that locality. The chair was
most ably occupied by John Parry, jun., Esq. ; and the
vice-presidency was conferred on the honorary secretary
of the inspectors of lighting and watching. A corps of
glee-singers, who had kindly volunteered their services
for the occasion, opened the evening with " Praise the
Lord" ,• and on the removal of the cloth, they sang with
great effect " Non nobis Domine." The Chairman then
gave, in excellent style, the usual loyal toasts, which were
responded to with much enthusiasm. In proposing the
health of Mr. Robert Wilson, the Chairman said he had
the high honour of presenting to that gentleman a lasting
token of the gratitude of his fellow-townsmen (a massive
silver tankard)—a testimonial which they had been
pleased to place in his hands for presentation. Mr.
Wilson was so well known to those assembled, that it
would be superfluous to enlarge on his good qualities.
(Cheers.) Mr. Wilson returned thanks in very feeling
language, and expressed the gratification he felt at baying_
gained the esteem of so large a number of friends. Many
other toasts were given, and the hilarity of the,oening
was kept up until, midnight. -