The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-05-10 00:00:00

ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE TOWN
COUNCIL.

The adjourned meeting of the town council, for the des-
patch of the business remaining over from Wednesday, was
he don Friday, at eleven o'clock. The MAYOR presided.

THE_TOWN7CLERK'S RIGHTS

Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE begged permission for a few mo-
ments, before the council proceeded to the regular business
of the day, to bring forward a matter of some importance.
He hoped he should not be deemed presumptuous in bringing
forward the subject he was about to introduce, although
he was surrounded by so many gentlemen of much more ex-
perience in municipal matters than himself. However, he
would gladly give way to any member of the council who
might have deemed it proper to take up the subject. He al-
luded to what had fallen from the lips of the town-clerk at
their last meeting—(hear, hear)—and the statement which
had been made by that gentleman of his I ight to speak on all
occasions and on all subjects, no matter what they were, which
might happen to be brought before the council. He (the
town-clerk) distinctly stated to the town-council at that time
that he was part and parcel of the corporation, and that he
possesed those rights ; but after having gone through the
municipal act, he (Mr. 8.-Moore) was at a loss to discover
where any such powers were given to him. He found, on
turning to the act, that a council was complete in itself with
a mayor, aldermen, and councillors, to be chosen in every
borough. This appeared from the 25th section. According
to the 58th section, it was provided that the power to elect
the town-clerk rested solely with the council. In the sche-
dule of the act no mention was made of the town-clerk, fur-
ther than that he was to be one of a body elected by the coun-
cil, and to continue in office during the pleasure of the council;
and there was nothing in the act concerning his authority or
power to speak, except that' he was to be considered as the
legal adviser of the corporation. (Hear.) As the present
was a subject which vitally affected the privileges of every
member of the council, he (Mr. Bramley-Moore) had taken
the liberty of bringing it under their consideration. (Hear,
hear.) If the functions and responsibilities of the office
rested on the act of parliament, and not on the will of the
council, he thought they might fairly call upon the town-
clerk to show them wherein his authority existed, and
on what it rested ; and he further thought it due to them-
selves that this question should be settled, so as to know
whether the town-clerk had the right on all matters to inflict
a speech on the council, and on every occasion so to do when
it might be deemed proper. The duties of councillors were
very different, according to the act, from those of the town-
clerk. rm. latter was not subject to the same responsibili-
ties or the same fines ; consequently he did not see how the
town-clerk could be considered in the light in which he con-
sidered himself at the last meeting, unless the council should
have one member more than it at present consisted of,
and be vested with a vote. If a councillor refused, when
elected, to enter the council-chamber, he was subjected to a
fine of £5O ; and if he happened to become a bankrupt, he
was excluded ; but none of these contingencies applied to the
town-clerk. He did not see, therefore, that the town-clerk
stood in the council in any other light than as their legal ad-
viser, and that when they wanted his advice they might call
upon him for it; or if he saw any thing of au illegal nature,
it would be his duty to step forward and correct it. He (Mr.
Bramley-Moore) was quite willing to bear his testimony to 6
the excellent legal opinions given by the town-clerk during
the time that he had the honour of a seat in the council, and
to say that they had been given in an able and a lucid man-
ner: but he wished to draw a distinction between the giving
of an opinion and the right of the town-clerk to speak on all
occasions and on all subjects brought before the council ; and
he begged to ask the town-clerk whether he would express
the same opinion now which he had expressed at the last
meeting, namely, that he was invested with the right of
speaking in that council upon all subjects and upon all occa-
sions ?

The TOWN-CLERK said he felt much obliged to the mem-
ber of council who had just brought this subject forward, for
the very clear, distinct, and he would say, candid way in which
he had mentioned it. His own opinion certainly had been
such as he stated at the last council, but he conceived that it
was one of those subjects which rested entirely with the coun-
cil. The member who had just spoken had very clearly, and,
as he thought, with latitude quite sufficient for everything he
could desire, defined his duties in a legal manner to be as fol-
lows :—namely, if called upon to advise the council, to do so.
and, if he perceived anything illegal going forward, to be at
liberty to give his legal advice thereupon. He certainly must
say, that his own opinion of his duties and responsibilities
went further than this ; but he was free to admit at once,
from the course the subject had taken, that, so far as opinion
went, he was wrong, and that to the opinion of the council he
now deferred as he should do on every occasion. (Hear, hear.)
He clearly understood now, whatever his own opinion might
be, that it was a subject which rested entirely with the coun-
cil. He conceived that the council had then expressed an
opinion that his duties should be confined to the giving of
legal advice, as had been explained by Mr. Bramley-Moore.
To that opinion he would pay implicit obedience, and take it
as his rule on every occasion ; and this he would do, not be-
cause he was submitting to that which he disliked, but as a
matter of cheerful compliance with the opinions expressed
by the council. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. BRANILEv-MoonE ssid he had been just asked by Mr.
Bolton whether he had informed any one that he wouldbring
this subject forward. He replied in the negative, and he now
repeated that reply. He had not mentioned it to any one,
neither had he entertained the question prior to the night be-
fore, when he looked over the act, and saw nothing in it bear-
ing on the subject of the town-clerk's right to speak in coun-
cil. It was then, and not until then, that he had made up
his mind to bring the matter forward. (Hear.)
Mr. BOLTON trusted that the answer which had just been
given by the town-clerk would be deemed perfectly satisfac-
tory. and that nothing further would be said on the subject.
Mr. GLADSTONE said he had no wish to obtrude himself
on the council in this matter ; but he must say that his sen-
timents differed from those which had already been expressed.
(Hear, hear.) He thought the manner in which the case had
been brought before the notice of the council by the honour-
able gentleman was clear and lucid, and that it was worthy
of his talent and standing in the town ; but he was not quite
so well satisfied with the explanation given by the town-
clerk. (Hear, hear.) He should have been much better
pleased if the town-clerk had said he had given the opinion
he had expressed in an excited moment, and that he regretted
it—(hear, hear)—that he now saw what the views and wishes
of the council were, and that he would not repeat what had
occurred at the last meeting. (Rear, hear.) This was the
reply he should have wished to have heard from the town-
clerk. (Hear.) He (Mr. Gladstone) was fully satisfied in
his own mind, as far as he could form an opinion, that what
had been said by the town-clerk, as to his right to address
that council, did not exist neither in law nor equity—(hear,
hear)—therefore he trusted the town-clerk would say that
he regretted what he had stated, and that he could only at-
tribute it to the excitement under which he addressed the
council, and that npon no future occasion should such cir-
cumstance again occur. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE really thought that the town-clerk's
expressions amounted very much to that. During the time
be (Mr. L.) had had a seat in that room, he could bear his
testimony to the fact that the town-clerk had never inflicted
long speeches on them. Whatever opinions the town-clerk
might have of his position in that council, he had told the
council that he bowed to that of the council, and that it was
in a moment of excitement, and with a view of defending his
office, he had made the statement. That was his excuse ; and
he (Mr. Lawrence) understood the town-clerk to say this.
The town-clerk had never acted upon this opinion before,
and he never would do it again.
Mr. Alderman EVANS thought there was one passage in
the town-clerk's speech which ought to content the council.
He declared that it all depended on the council; and, there-
fore, after the opinion of the council had been once expressed,
he could not of course contend that he had any rights. This
had been admitted by himself, and ought to content the
council. They had heard of " tearing a passion to rags,"
and to make more of the subject would be actually doing the
same thing.

The TOWN-CLERK thought it was due from him, after
wnat had fallen from Mr. Robertson Gladstone, to say that
it was with great pain, indeed, that he found he entertained
an opinion contrary to the general opinion of the council.
He had certainly given an opinion, and he was put to justify-
that opinion. He certainly had entertained the notion stated
by him, and was not singular in that opinion ; but if he had
had more time to have brought the subject forward, and if he
had not been labouring under severe indisposition at the time,
he would have done it, he dared say, more to the satisfaction
of every member. He thought he should perhaps secure
the good opinion of Mr. Gladstone, when he said that it was
with great concern he brought forward an opinion which had
not met with the general concurrence of the council. (Hear.)
Mr. BUSHELL said he never in his life had heard more
lucid legal expositions than the council had received and he
had listened to from the lips of the present town-clerk. He
thought the town-clerk had said quite sufficient to satisfy
any member that what had fallen from him on the occasion
in question was different from what had fallen from him be-
fore. There were circumstances, however, which, doubtless,
actuated and influenced him at the time. He was naturally
excited by a kind feeling towards a brother officer, and had
spoken the sentiments of his mind ; but with his explanation
he was quite sure every member would be perfectly satisfied.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. GLADSTONE expressed a hope that the council at large
would be perfectly satisfied. (Hear, hear.)
The TOWN-CLERK said the high value he placed upon his
office might perhaps have induced him to form an erroneous
opinion of its duties and responsibilities. (Hear, hear.)
The conversation here dropped.
CHURCH EXFENDITURE COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of the Church-Expenditure Committee,
comprising a recommendation to authorise the committee to
take down a further portion of the tower of St. Michael's
Church, at the estimated additional expense of £4OO, and to
reduce the pew rents in St. Martin's Church, having been
read,
Mr. PARKER moved their confirmation.
Mr. EVANS asked whether the pews in St. Martin's Church
were occupied or the church tilled, because otherwise he had
no idea of reducing the rents. If the pews -fillecL at their!
present rents, they ought not to be lowered, and any rednc- •
tion of the rents should not be conditional.
Mr. PLATT said that the seat rents in St. George's Church
had been reduced two years ago, in consequence of the mi-
nister having complained of the highness of the rents and the
poverty of the neighbourhood. The rents in St. Luke's, and
afterwards in St. Michael's, were next reduced, owing to a
similar cause ; but the expected result of the reduction had
not been produced. They were obliged, however, either to
lower the rents or to have the churches empty, as the in-
habitants of the respective neighbourhoods bad become al-
tered in circumstances, and the rents in other churches were
lower in amount. The revenue was nevertheless inadequate,
but he justified the reduction of the rents for the reasons
stated, notwithstanding.
Mr. EVANS said he could see no good reason why the pew
rents of the corporation churches should be under the market
rate. The real cause of the reduction, in his opinion, was
the radical vice of the established church—the manner in
which the clergy were appointed. Men not only not at-
tractive, but who were often quite repulsive, were appointed,
and he believed this to be the cause of the churches not being
half filled. As to lowering the rates of the pews below the
market price, he protested against it, because such a plan
never produced commensurate results.
Mr. PARKER said the rents in St. Martin's Church at
present were £5 a year for, six sittings down the centre aisle,
and that at this low rate there were not more than two-thirds
filled. The clergymen and churchwardens said that if they
were reduced to £4, the probability was that they would let
at that price ; and upon this advice the committee had acted,
and now made their recommendationto the council.
Mr. BRIGHT was of opinion that sufficient grounds
had not been shown for making the reduction. People
could not be induced to frequent a church the minister of
which was unpopular. If clergymen like the Rev. Mr.
Jones of St. Andrew's were appointed, the pew rents would
be £9 instead of £4. The principle of reducing the rents
was a bad one. If the ministers were not attractive, the
best course to pursue was to let them remain as long as they
were in existence, and then to make proper appointments,
wouldedings have
provided the corporation had the power of presenting.
Mr. SANDS thought the market price was generally esta-
blished by the quality of the preacher in the church. (Hear,
and laughter.) If they had good men in the church, they
nwooualtdtenhdaavnetgsrd(Hreenatrs, ;heaanrd.)if othsenrwditsieletphreeyee
colTlfihremceodnversation here dropped ;

BOROUGH COURT COMMITTE.
The proceedings of the Borough Court and Court of
Requests Committee were read and confirmed.
HEALTH COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Health of the Town Committee,
wife a recommendation that Andrew Clarke and hi;
wife be appointed keeper and matron of the Baths and Wash-
in Frederick-street, were read and confirmed.

COURTS OF LAW COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Courts of Law Committee, com-
prising the architect's report, were read. The architect
stated that the works were proceeding slowly but satisfacto-
rily, and that the only difficulty which had arisen was in
respect of the foundation, occasioned by the flowing in of a
great quantity of water, which would incur considerable ex-
pense to overcome, as the bottom of the shaft was lower
than the drain. The proceedings were confirmed.

DOCK COMMITTEE

The proceedings of the Dock Committee having been read,
Mr. SANDS moved their confirmation.
Mr. ROBINSON asked whether it would not be a saving of
expense to the estate if the material of the new dock were
removed by carts instead of by a tram way ?
Mr. SANDS expressed himself sorry that the gentleman
did not seem to understand the subject. It was quite enough
for him to say that the expense of removing the excavations
by a railroad would be less than if they were removed by
either carts or water.

Mr. ROBINSON said that carting would afford employment
to a great many people.

. •
MI. SANDS admitted that it would afford employment,
but said it would entail considerable expense. The saving,
by the adoption of the present course, would amount to be-
tween £3OOO and £4OOO.

Mr. Alderman EAIiLE said the streets were bad enough
already without having more carting over them.
The proceedings were then confirmed.
OFFICER'S SALARIES.
The MAYOR read a memorial from Mr. Tyson, of the
Town-Clerk's office, praying for an increase of salary. The
memorial stated that he had been in the service of the cor-
poration for seventeen years, during which time his conduct
had given complete satisfaction to the Town-Clerk. His
duties were difficult and arduous, particularly during the
period of the registration, when he was frequently detained
until midnight—that lie had not been more than a week dur-
ing the whole of the seventeen years absent from the office,
and that his salary was only £l5O a-year. He prayed for an
increase of salary, referred to the Town-Clerk for proof of
his ability, and presented a bill for £l5O, for extra services
rendered since 1840.

Mr. LLOYD aid, the extra services of Mr. Tyson would
average at about £9O a year. This application had been made
since the meeting of the council on Wednesday. As he
stated then, further applications would be made, and it was
on that account he wished to have had a committee then
appointed, .to see what alterations or additions should be
made in the several departments. There were some depart-
ments, he could state positively, in which dissatisfaction had
arisen in the town and the public generally on account of the
performance of certain duties by some of the officers therein
engaged, in addition to their duty to the corporation. He
would now move that Mr. Tyson's application be referred to
a special Committee, to be composed, of one member from
the Finance, Watch, Courts of Law, Borough Courts, and
Court of Requests Committees, and whose duty it should be
to enquire into the duties of the several offices of the corpo-
ration, what their respective salaries are, and report, generally,
the alterations or additions to be made in any department.
He proposed this, because it was unpleasant to say these
things without going into a committee where the truth of
them or not could be ascertained ; therefore, he would make
no allusion to any individual before going into committee;
and, at the same time, he thought an independent committee
would be the best tribunal to go into this question. He
therefore begged to move, that a special committee, consti-
tuted as above, be appointed.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said, he did not rise to anticipate
the result of any investigation into the claim of Mr. Tyson,
who was a very meritorious servant of the corporation ; but
he bad doubts about the necessity of appointing the com-
mittee. The Finance and the Watch Committees were per-
fectly competent to judge whether they received sufficient
services from the officers under their controul, and it would
be an interference with all the committees if the council were
to plunge headlong into an inquiry by which expectations on
the part of some of the officers would be needlessly raised.
Mr. HODGSON could not agree with Mr. Lawrence. He
thought the circumstance of these repeated applications for
increased salaries, and of allowing private solicitation, justi-
fied the motion for the committee. He thought there was a
necessity of ascertaining whether they really were paying all
their servants amply, and that the course proposed by Mr.
Lloyd was an exceedingly good one. He thought that a con-
sideration of all the cases would put an end to the present
system of private solicitation, and prevent the council from
at any time being improperly called upon to give a kind of
ex parte remuneration.

Mr. EVANS said that if fifty committees were appointed,
the system of private solicitation would still be practised.
About six years ago, he had been upon a committee of the
sort now desired. It was called the " Paid Officers' Com-
mittee," and at that time all the offices, officers and their
salaries were reviewed. He could not conceive that there
had been any alteration, or that any circumstances had since
arisen which would require a committee .of the kind to be
again appointed. To what would it lead ? He had a kind of
instinctive horror at going into any thing which would be
prejudicial to the finances of the corporation ; but, under the
proposed arrangerpent, it would turn out what might be called
in vulgar boyish language, " Its heads the corporation loses,
and tails it loses too ;" because, where was the committee
who would pull down a single income, or do anything but ad-
vance salaries ? In all likelihood, the corporation would lose
several hundreds a-year if the committee were appointed.
Mr. BOLTON bore testimony to the constant attendance
and arduous duty performed by Mr. Tyson, and expressed
himself in favourable terms of the motion.

Mr. Busitum. felt quite satisfied of the necessity and im-
portance of some such motion. The fact of an inquiry
having been made six years ago, was quite sufficient to justify
the present course. He differed from the sentiments ex-
pressed by Mr. Evans. The council wished to do justice,
because if a man was under-paid, his salary should be in-
creased, and if over-paid, it should be lowered, or the man
dismissed. The argument of Mr. Evans, therefore, went for
nothing. He was satisfied that Mr. Tyson's salary ought to
be increased, and that he had too long worked for too little.
A great change had taken place in the composition of the
council, and the town demanded that the conservatives, who
now had the power, should institute full inquiry into the effi-
ciency of their servants.

Mr. AIKIN thought that separate committees were better
judges of the willingness, ability, and fitness of the respective
officers than any special committee which might Le appointed.
After some further discussion, in which Mr. Sands, Mr.
Bramley-Moore, Mr. Barclay, Mr. Procter, and Mr. Bright
took part, the standing orders were suspended in order to
admit the motion, which was adopted, after haviog undergone
revision,
effect :—" That a committee be
appointed, consisting of one from each of the following com-
mittees--Finance, Improvement, Watch, Courts of Law,
Markets', Town-hall, and Borough Court, to inquire into the
present duties of the officers and servants of the corporation,
with their respective salaries, and report generally on any
alteration or addition being made in any of the departments."
It was then ordered that Mr. Tyson's application, as well
as that of the surveyor, made upon Wednesday, for additional
assistance in his office, should be referred to the new com-
mittee.

The MAYOR acknowledged the receipt of a memorial from
Mr. Richard Radcliffe, jun., praying for an increase in his
salary of £250.

It was referred to the Committee of Inquiry.
NUISANCES.
The MAYOR acknowledged the receipt of a memorial from
the inhabitants of Vauxhall-road, complaining of mountebank
shows and continual drumming in the neighbourhood every
evening until midnight, by reason of which the shopkeepers
were kept awake. The memorialists prayed for the abolition
of the nuisance.

Mr. JounAN complained that, a few days since, Knight-
street was rendered impassable by a " Punch-and-Judy" kind
of exhibition, and he was told that there was no power.to re-
move them.

Mr. EVANS conceived that those exhibitions were all inno-
cent amusements, and that they ought not to be put down,
but tolerated, even at the expense of considerable inconve-
nience to other people.
The memorial was referred to the deputy. town-clerk.
THE HAYMA.B.KETS.

The MAYOR acknowledged the receipt of a lengthy peti-
tion on the subject of the proposed haymarket. The peti-
tioners adverted to the inconvenience of the present haytua r-
kets, expressed the pleasure they felt at seeing a market in
London-road about to be established with a view to a general
one, and hoped the proceedings of the council of the 6th of
April on the subject would be carried into effect.
Mr. J. LAWRENCE said the petition was signed by 4000 in-
dividuals.

The MAYOR acknowledged the receipt of another nume-
rously signed memorial on the subject. It was from livery-
stable keepers, cow-keepers, and others, who said they con-
sidered it their duty to represent the most desirable course to
be pursued. They thought two markets would never an-
swer, and that a central one ought to be established. The
market in London-read would not, in their opinion, be of any
permanent advantage, and if tried as an experiment, would
prove nothing. They concluded by saying that preference
should be given to the buyer. It bore some hundreds of sig.
natures. The Mayor also read a short petition from coach-
proprietors and others, praying that the haymarket in Great
Homer-street might be continued, as it was well adapted for
all parties. He presented another petition, signed by about
thirty individuals, praying the council to confirm the resolu-
tion for establishing a haymarket in London-road. He also
presented a petition from the inhabitants of London-road to
the same effect.

These several petitions were referred, pro forma, to the
Markets Committee.

APPRENTICES

The MAYOR acknowledged the receipt of a memorial from
Charles Fagin, asking whether the council insisted on cancell-
ing his son's indentures, and if so, what compensation they
would allow him for the injury done to his prospects in life.
Upon the motion of Mr. SANDBACR, this memorial was
referred to the Education Committee.

THE MARKET IN LONDON-ROAD.
The MAYOR said the next subject on the paper was the
consideration of the following resolution of the council of the
18th of April. :—°' That the consideration of the appro-
priation of London-road, above and below the monument,
for a market for the sale of hay, straw, and other fodder for
cattle ; and also for potatoes and other roots and vegetables,
the food of man; and also for coal; and for the purposes
aforesaid all requisite orders and by-laws be postponed until
the next monthly council, on the 4th of May next ;" and the
following motion, of which notice had been given by Mr.
Bushell :—" That the resolutions of the council of the 6th of
April, approving of the proceedings of the Markets' Com-
mittee, be rescinded, so far as such resolutions relate to the
recommendation by that committee to the council to autho-
rise the s of hay and straw, by farmers, in London-road."
Mr. Balei ELL proposed his motion in a speech of some
length. He wished the question to be thoroughly understood
by the council and town at large. One of the markets was
at present a dead letter; no buyers or sellers resorted to it ;
and it was only the mere shadow of a market. He thought
the recommendation of the committee for establishing a mar-
ket in London-road had been carried without due considers-
tton at a former Meeting, and that time should have been
given for memorials from parties interested in the matter and
expressive of their opinions. He had himself no property in
the town, neither had he any friends whose interests he
wished to serve, any property, and therefore his motives,
on the present occasion, could not be questioned by anybody.
He wished to know, in
the event of the success of the expe-
riment in London-road, what was the object of the Markets
Committee, and, supposing it to fail, in what way their posi-
tion would be bettered? Birchfield would not not answer.
if they wished to accommodate the town, that
He thought,
the proper place to try an experiment would be, not in Lon-
don-road, but at the junction of Great George's and St.
James's-streets.
Mr. TURNER seconded the motion.
Mr. COOPER supported the recommendation of the Mar-
kets Committee, for giving a trial to the space in London-road.
Mr. Alderman EARLE spoke in favour of the recommen-
dation of the committee.
Mr. PARKER protested against any such experiment being
tried in London -road.
Mr. HouGsoN said he would leave the matter entirely in
the hands of the committee.
Mr. ROBINSON objected to the experiment being tried in
London-road, and said the most convenient place for a south
haymarket would be under St. James's Mount.
Mr. TnonNHILL stated that upwards of £16,500 had
already been expended in the haymarkets, and yet it was now
intended to buy 13irchfield, at a cost of £25,000, whereby
they would receive no more income than they did now.
After some explanations from Mr. HOUGHTON, as to the
terms on which he had sold his land, forming a portion of
the north haymarket, from which it appeared that there were
no conditions of its being for ever maintained as a market,
Mr. G. H. LANVRENeE expressed his opinion that the
present inconvenience of having two markets, which was the
cause of all this discussion, lied been created by two markets
having been decided upon without consultation between the
Finance Committee and the Markets Committee.

Mr. HENRY Homan said there had been consultation
between them.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE said he had not been able to dis-
cover that there had been any, and he had referred back to
that Mirror of the Town Council Proceedings, the Liver-
pool Standard. It was a great mistake to have two mar-
kets. It might be a question whether they would not have
to retrace their steps, and have a central market : and as to
a central market he did not think the expense would be so
great as Mr. Thornhill thought.
Some further discussion took place, after which the coun-
cil divided, when there appeared—
For the motion
Against it
• • •

Majority
The motion was consequently declared to have been car-
ried. The following members voted in the division :
For the motion.—Councillors—Messrs. Shaw, Shand,
Hodgson, Houghton, Thornhill, Preston, Sandbach, Ed-
wards, Blundell, Henry Holmes, Sands, Bolton, Bright,
Yates, Robinson, H. Lawrence, Gladstone, Bushell, Parker,
Jones, jun., Brassey, Trotman, Jordan, Platt, A. Smith,
jun., Mather, Harbord.—Aldermen—Messrs. Holt, Nicol,
Houghton, Turner, and the Mayor.

Against it—Councillors.—Messrs. Copeland, Aikin, Toni-
min, J. Lawrence, Cooper, Lloyd, Rigby, Kilshaw, J. Smith,
G. H. Lawrence.—Aldermen—Messrs. Bulley, Freme, Bar-
clay, Evans, Earle.

Mr.
BOLTON moved " that, as the south haymarket is not
resorted to by the public, the whole question of the haymar-
kets be referred to the Finance and Market Committees for
their consideration and report."
Mr. BUSHELL seconded this motion, which was agreed to
without any discussion.

The 'council then separated

THEATRE-ROYAL

Under the late management of Mr. Clarke, every person
of eminence in the dramatic profession was engaged during
the season to appear before the Liverpool audiences. Mr.
Clarke found his outlay and risk were not sufficiently repaid,
and he resigned his post of public caterer and manager.
Messrs. Anderson and Hammond succeeded him, determined
to merit success, if not command it. They engaged a capital
company, in the hope of being able to do without the attrac-
tion of stars—if attractions such people can be called, who
often take away more money than they draw. These gentle-
men resolved upon putting Shakspeare on the stage in a
manner unprecedented in the provinces, and, by bringing
out in a superior style the various novelties as they appeared
in London, hoped to induce ali the usual frequenters of
the theatre to give them their patronage. They also con-
ceded the long-debateable ground of second price. And
what has been the upshot? Let us see. A pantomime was
brought out. This was admitted by all who saw it, and had
an opportunity of comparing it with those produced in Lon-
don, to be the best of the season. The pantomime hardly
paid itself. " Midsummer Night's Dream " was next
brought forward. In spite of its beautiful scenery, costly
dresses, dances, and etceteras, to say nothing of its exquisite
poetry, it has not drawn one full house. " Macbeth,"
" Hamlet," and other first-class tragedies, have been done
with great care and attention to stage effect ; the newest
farces and comedies have been played ;—still those who can
crowd to the Liver or the Amphitheatre hang back, although
rational amusement tenfold in proportion is provided. The
" Prisoner of War" was better played here than in London,
but it has found but little favour. although those who saw it
appeared to relish it mightily, if we might judge by the mer-
riment often exhibited.
The last novelty is the " Bubbles of the Day," by Douglas
Jerrold. It was brought out on Wednesday last. This co-
medy is cleverly written. The dialogue is caustic, witty,
and full of repartee. The sentences are epigrammatic, and
abound with smart blows at the prevailing follies and vices
of society. Leigh Hunt's pen always appears to flow with
honey : Douglas Jerrold's seems deeply steeped in gall. In
this comedy every random shot, even, tells, and, in the scanty
audiences who have been gathered together, there must have
been present those whose ears must have tingled at unplea-
sant truths " touching them nearly." Those engaged in the
comedy seemed greatly to exert themselves. Mrs. Clarke,
as Guinea, a speculating lady's-maid, was excellent. Miss
Bennett's Pamela Spreadweasle was a decided hit. If Miss
Bennett fails in any part entrusted to her, it is not mentally
but physically. Time will help her to become a leading
member of her profession ; and it appears to us that in co-
medy she will take a high stand. In Pamela Spreadweasle
this promise of excellence is brightly shewn. Take, for in-
stance, her description of the election, and the vivacity of
her replies throughout the piece. We may here remark how
cleverly she played Polly Pallmall in the " Prisoner of
War"—how replete that was with humour and drollery.
Mr. W. J. Hammond made the most of Sir Phoenix Clear-
cake, a sort of shadowing forth of a celebrated auctioneer.
The Lord Skindeep of Mr. Baker we did not like : it was a
bad burlesque upon the manners of nobility, and a worse
attempt at being Farrenish. Mr. Slaiter, as Malmsey Shark,
made a decided impression on the audience. The part is an
insignificant one, but the actor brought it out, leaving—as
all good artists should—himself in the background. Mr.
Slaiter was forgotten : Malmsey Shark, the griping, rascally
old wine-selling money-lender, only was seen. Costume,
manners, appearance, and peculiarities,—from the partially
paralytic arm to the hollow, chuckling laugh and shuffling
gait,—were capital. It was a perfect " study from life."
This impersonation does Mr. Slaiter great credit, and we
make mention of it with unreserved praise. Mr. Cooke's
Spreadweasle was a shade too boisterous, but it was delight-
fully vulgar. Miss Cleaver, as Mrs. Quarto, rattled through
her part with much spirit. Mr. Nantz is rather too heavy
for Smoke. Mr. Bellingham gave several excellent imita-
tions of Harley, as Chatham Brown. Miss Chaplin looked
very pretty as Florentia. Mr. Benwell, as Corks, a political
butler; Mr. Vivash, as Old Brown; Mr. Barton, as Mellon;
Mr. Chaplin, as Waller; and Mr. Eaton, as Kim/o, did
their best to make the comedy go off well. It is admirably
put on the stage. The scenes are all " interiors," which
present to our view comfortably-furnished apartments, in-
stead of the usual one-tabled, one-chaired, bare-boarded
affairs generally seen as scenes. The liberality and spirit of
the lessees ought to be met with a corresponding feeling by
the public.
The " Wood Demon" is beautifully got up. There is in
it a very pretty ballet, in which Miss Webster and Mrs
Comb dance extremely well. In this the four sr
prettily and tastefully introduced. The scenery is c

~aeons are

-.-
Miss Webster plays the Dumb Boy very cleverly. We are
glad to see the talent that assuredly exists in this theatre
brought out. There is plenty of it, if the public would give
it a chance of being seen.
The " White Cat," which has been so successful in Lon-
don, is about to be produced. Shakspere will not draw : will
spectacle and a nursery tale? Nous verrons, vine la bagatelle.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT THE LIVER STEAM

MILLS

We regret to announce that about three o'clock on Friday
morning a most destructive fire broke out in the extensive
works of Messrs. E. Holme and Son, millers, on the west
side of the Canal-bank. The flames, we understand, burst
out very suddenly. An alarm was immediately given, and
messengers were despatched for the fire-engines at the dock
stations and the station in Temple-court. Five powerful
engines from the latter place were instantly on their way
to the scene of conflagration, and in about twenty minutes
afterwards no less than ten engines were on the spot. All
were playing upon the flames at once, but without effect. No
effort could save the building, and at this moment it is a
heap of ruins. We are sorry to add that four men were very
severely injured in their efforts to extinguish the flames.
One of them was a miller in Messrs. Holme's service, and
the other three were men belonging to the fire brigade. They
are now considerably better. We have not heard any proba-
ble account of the origin of the fire, but understand the pro-
perty was insured.
The sight was grand, but appalling, as the flames burst
through all the numerous windows of the building. On the
roof and the several floors giving way, and falling beneath the
power of the destructive element, an immense volume of
flame each time ascended from the ruins to a considerable
height above the building, illumining a considerable portion
of the northern extremity of the town. "It was so light,"
said one of the bystanders, " that I could see to pick up a
pin from the ground." Whilst the place was yet reeking
with the fire, Mr. Whitty, Mr. Maxwell, and sonic of the
firemen were exerting themselves to the utmost to save the
property. Whilst thus engaged, they had a narrow escape
with their lives. They had just stepped back to the doorway
of one of the rooms, when the superincumbent mass, amongst
which was the machinery used in the upper stories, came
down with an awful crash, carrying with it the floor upon
which they had just been standing. The wood-work about
the building being very dry, the fire baffled the exertions of
the engines, until, at length, its force became exhausted by
having nothing to feed upon : it then began to decline, and,
about four o'clock, was got completely under control, but
not until the building had been left a mere skeleton.
The Liver Mills ground by steam, and, fortunately, the
stock on hand was not very heavy. The property destroyed,
besides the buildings and machinery, consisted chiefly of
wheat and flour. A considerable quantity of both wheat and
flour was, however, saved, but it was much damaged from
the effects of fire and water.

CHESTER RACES

FRIDAY

The attendance on the course was rather thin, though the
weather was fine. Combermere left this morning for Epsom,
where he runs for the Derby. Auckland is to leave " the
forest" on Wednesday next for the same destination. The
racing came of as follows :

The ROODEE STAKES of 10 sovs each, h ft, with 50 soya
added by the Dee Stand Proprietors, for three-year-olds
_ that have run during the week. (3 subs.) _ _ .

Mr. Collett's b c Heads or Tails .. ..... :(Whitehouse) 1
Lord Westininsters br f Irony, sister to Satirist

Betting-7 to 4on Heads or Tails, who waited on the mare
to the distance, where he passed her, and won in a canter by
a length.

The PALATINE STAKES of 50 sovs each, h ft, for three-
year-olds, colts Bst 71b, fillies Bst 21b. (4 subs.)
Lord Westminster's ch c William de Fortibus (Marson) 1
Mr. F. R. Price's gr f Valentina

Betting-3 to lon William, who won in a common canter
by about four lengths.
The CHESHIRE STAKES of 25 sous each, 15 ft, with 50 added
by the Citizens of Chester. Two miles. (18 subs, 8 of
whom paid 5 sous each.)
Mr. Plummer's br f Alice Hawthorn, 4 yrs .... (Bumby) 1
Lord Eglington's b m Bellona, aged 2
Sir W. \V. Wynne nd b m Miss Kitty Cockle, aged..
Lord Milltown's ch m Cruiskeen
Betting-3 to lon Alice Hawthorn, which was last till
passing the chair the second time round, where she took the
second place. Outside the distance she went up to Kitty,
passed her like .a shot, and won in a common canter by two
lengths. A. good race for second.

The WIRRAL STAKES of 10 sovs each, with 50 sovs added
by the Gentleman of Wirral, for two and three-year-olds;
two, 6st 121 b; three, 9st. T.Y.C. (9 subs.)
Lord Westminster's Maria Day, 2 yrs ....
Mr. Bird's b c Doctor Allen, 3 yrs
Sir R. Bulkeley's b f by Bay Middleton, 3 yrs
Betting-2 to lon Maria Day, and 3to 1 against Doctor
After two attempts, Happy-go-Lucky took the lead, with
Preparation second, the others close up, and Ernestine about
40 yards behind, where she remained to the finish. At the
Grosvenor Post Maria Day advanced, and at the distance
challenged Dr. Allen, who had taken llappy's place, ran
with him a few strids, and won by a length easy. A good
race for second : was won by about a neck : the others beaten
off. After the race Mr. Price objected to the start, and it
wag left to the decision of the stewards, who gave the race to
Maria Day.