The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — 1840-04-24 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

MAYOR.—Not to build ; only to send in plans. Mr. Alderman &LEM said that as the erection of the Assize Courts was a very important matter, seeing that they might exist in the town for ages, he thought that every means should be employed to make them as perfect as could be reasonably expected. Taking into consideration, also, the very large amount of the public money that was to be expended, every possible means should be taken to secure a proper appropriation of that money. Seeing what had hitherto taken place in erections at the public expense—the mistakes which had been committed, and the difficulties which had been the result of those mistakes, he thought it incumbent on the council to select the best members to have the management of this building, without reference to the members of any committee. But he would not have the management given over to any gentlemen until time had been given to consider who were the best fitted to be entrusted with the affair. He should therefore move—`• That at the next meeting of the council a special committee of nine members be appointed for the erection of the intended courts ; and that such committee- be elected upon lists to be delivered in and proceeded with as by law is appointed for the election of aldermen. Mr. Alderman HORNBY seconded the motion.—Carried. Mr. Alderman EARLE thought it a fortunate circumstance that the same architect would probably be employed both on the Assize Courts and St. George's Hall, because there was no saying, when they sat down, what alterations might be found necessary. It might probably be found advisable to alter both buildings, and with advantage to the whole place, and. in that case they would, by having the same architect, be relieved from every difficulty. If, as be believed, Mr. Elmes was a man of talent, there was little doubt that his plans would give satisfaction. Mr. Alderman SRIEL then moved, " That the Watch Committee be required, at the next council, to report on the expediency of the removal of the Bridewell, Police-office, and Watch Committee-rooms and offices from their present situation to the Old Infirmary-ground, or other site in the neighbourhood thereof, or otherwise." Mr. BOLTON seconded the motion. The motion was originally to consider the expediency of removing the above-named buildings to the vicinity of the intended Assize Courts ; but it was stated by one or two members that the land was scarcely sufficiently extensive for the Assize Courts only. The motion was then qualified as above, and carried.  A conversation took place with respect to submitting the various plans to public inspection, as in the case of those for the St. George's Hall.  Mr. CuRRIE observed that the public would be naturally desirous to see the plans, and perhaps the council would think it right to direct the surveyor to have the rooms open for a few days, for the inspection of members of the council and their friends, and afterwards for a certain number of days for the public. There had been an almost unanimous verdict of the public in favour of the plan selected for St. George's Hall, and he hoped that there would also be in the present case.The council seemed to concur in the propriety of this suggestion being carried into effect ; but nothing was decided upon, though it will be perceived from an advertisement, that the plans will be submitted to the inspection of the public during the whole of next week. Tickets for admission may be procured at the Town clerk's office, to-morrow.  The following has been received, in answer to a numerouslysigned memorial on behalf of George Murray, who was condemned to be executed for the above murder, or rather aggravated manslaughter. Both the prisoners implicated in the affair will now escape the extreme sentence of the law. " Whitehall, 18th April, 1840. " Stu,—The Marquis of Normanby having carefully considered your application on behalf of George Murray, I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, that, under all the circumstances of the case, his lordship has felt warranted in advising her Majesty to grant the prisoner a pardon, on condition of transportation for life.-1 am, sir, your most' obedient, humble servant, " S. M.