The Northern Daily Times. — 1856-03-20 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHNOLOGICAI  SOCIETY -4.-- The ordinary meeting of this society, was held at halfpast seven o'clock last night, in the Royal Institution, Colquitt stre3t. Mr. J. Hay in the chair. Mr. Christopher Ellison, jun., was elected an associate member of this society. Among the donations received, were the Land and Building News, from March 13 ; and ArchceologicaliStudies in Jerusalem, by Mr. G. J. Wigley, associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects.  Mr. Picton, mentioned. as a matter of interest to the society, that his papers on Belgian Architecture, read during the last session, and also one of Mr. Huggins's papers had been published at Brussels in the Journal of Architecture. It showed that their proceedings were regarded with interest, even outside of Liverpool. (Hear, hear.)  Mr. Boult called attention to a notice which appeared in the Times:a few days since, stating that the Board of Works were about to erect public offices in Downingstreet, and that it was their intention to employ the successful architect, (the competition to be open to a limited number of London architects), and 160/ to eacl_ unsuccessful competitors. He thought this was a step _ the right direction, the practice hitherto having been to give the conduct of the work to the architect of the board. _ _  of the  Mr. Picton replied that it should be remembered that at.the same time it was stated that the commission would be reduced from 5 per cent. to 3 per cont. It was, therefore, simply "robbing Peter to pay Paul ; " and he feared that the reduction being introduced by government would be also insisted on by private persons. Mr. Horner observed that the reduction was intended to apply to all government contracts. Mr. Verelst concurred with Mr. Boult, that it was a step in the right direction, and took the opportunity to mention that there was in the Liverpool Free Library a magnificent collection of works on architecture and archaeology, which might be advantageously consulted by the society.  Mr. Picton thought the library committee would have no objection to the collection being open for the inspection of the society on certain nights, and he undertook to bring it under their notice.  The paper for the evening was, "A few;words on French, Lombard, and Gothic Architecture," by Mr. C. Verelst. 1 •., ..-..___ _  MELANCHOLY SUICIDI  On Monday Mr W. Payne held an inquest at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, on the body of Herr Van Der Mast, who committed suicide by cutting his throat. The deceased was a well known swordsman, having performed before her Majesty, in Lord Holland's-park, at Saville-house, Leicester-square, and at most of the "assaults of arms" at the houses of the nobility and gentry. He was looked upon as one of the most expert swordsmen in England. Since the closing of Saville-house, the deceased, who was a German by birth, has maintained his wife and family by giving lessons on fencing, &c., and by working at his original business, that of a furrier. Recently, his employer had occasion to dismiss him in consequence of the slackness of work ; but procured him another situation, which, however, it appeared, he did not like ; for one evening last week he left his employment and returned home. Shortly after his wife went down stairs, and on her return, after an absence of only a few minutes, she was greatly shocked at finding he had cut his throat. He was conveyed to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where he lingered in great pain until Sunday afternoon last when he died. The jury returned a verdict of " Temporary insanity."