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NATIONAL LAND CONFERENCE, SNIG'S END, GLOUCESTERSHIRE.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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National Land Conference, Snig's End, Gloucestershire.
NATIONAL LAND CONFERENCE , SNIG'S END , GLOUCESTERSHIRE .
-. ¦ -•¦» (Frompur Own Reporter.) The An...
-. ¦ - •¦» ( Frompur own Reporter . ) The Annual Conference of Delegates from all parts of the country , of the membera of flie National Land Company , was held this Veek at Snig ' s End . The proceedings commenced on Monday . Great interest ¦ was occasioned , not only in the neighbourhood , hut throughout the surrounding districts , and during the sittings of each day the
Schoolroom "was . mogt inconveniently crowded , many vno could not ; obtain admittance pressing against the windows , and thus effectuall y circumscribing the ventilation , much to the'discomfort of the delegates , who good-natureoly tore the infliction , in . considerationofthe anxiety displayed to near the discussions , and their own desire that all the questions argued , and all the complaints made , should be as much circulated in the country as possible . » :
It may be permitted , ' before entering upon the proceedings themselves , to advert to the appearance of this and the neighbouring estate , in order to give members at a distance an idea of the immense improvement effected in the course of the last two years , notwithstanding the various , and by no means light annoyances to which the allottees were subj ected b y the petty jealousies of the neighbouring agriculturists , who saw with alarm-the efforts made by the denizens of towns to free themselves from the chains of serfdom , which a vitiated state of society threw around the life of the artisan from the hour of Ms
appearance on the world ' s stage until the last scene , when the curtain dropped , and the framer of others' fortunes was permitted f * to shuffle' off this mortal coiy ^ ahd ^ obtain tnaTpeace in the grave which in existence had been denied to him . ¦ - •'¦ ¦ Snig ' s End and the neighbouring estate of Iiowbands are situated mid-way between Tewkesbury and Gloucester , in , perhaps , the most beautiful part of all England , whether as regards the scenery itself or the quality and fertility of the lands in the district The
former estate is placed in the level country , in close proximity to the high road , while the latter , with perhaps a more pleasing prospect , has , to counterbalance that , the additional distance of two miles placed between it and its different markets . At no season of the y ear does the country present a fairer aspect than at present , and the country to which we refer has peculiar claims to the attention of the agriculturist , for it exhibits crops which far excel any observed on the line of road which
lies between Birmingham and the town of Gloucester , Snig ' s End certainly proves the truth of the assertion , that spade husbandry in small allotments is far superior to the plough . The crops of the different allottees are of the most promising description—the wheat ripe and full in the ear—barley is most beautifully headed—mangel-wurtzel and Swedish turnips large—potatoes p lentiful , and free from disease ; and the same remark of plentiful may be applied to all the other description of green crops , with the single exception of carrots , which has proved in some degree a failure . The cottages present a neat and clean appearance , and the greater part of the allottees , with a commendable taste , have combined the
useful with the ornamental , by rearing vines and other climbing trees , roses , and different varieties of flowers , around their doors and at the end of the dwellings . The roads are well laid out , and , in short , the whole presents an appearance as cheering as the best friend of humanity might desire , and offers a complete antidote to the calumnious reports which sought to reach the framer of the plan , by representing this work of his hands as a total failure . It is the fashion now to patronise public improvement , and it would be well to suggest to the Lord Mayor and the dignities of tiie City of London , to pay a visit to Snig ' s End and Lowbands , before setting about their task of Irish regeneration .
The first day of the , meeting of the ., Conference was occupied in arranging preliminary matters . The Conference met at two o ' clock , but there being only Mr . O'Connor and a few of the delegates pre > ent , it was agreed to adjourn till a later hour in the evening . At seven o ' clock they again re-assembled , and 3 ir . Sweet , of Nottingham , was unanimously elected chairman .
Mr . Philip M'Grath was elected secretary . The following delegates then presented their credentials : —Mr . Bostock , Nottingham ; Mr . Sutton , Manchester ; Mr . 6 . "Wilson , London ; Mr . Dowlhw , London ; Mr . Taylor , _ ishton-nnder Xyne ; Mr . C . Bagshaw , Sheffield ; Mr . G . Watson , Swindon ; Mr . J . Irvine , Stockport ; Mr . D . S . Morgan , Mcrtbyr-Tydvil ; Mr . J . Lord , Bochdale ; Mr . J . Brown , Preston ; Mr . J . Harding , Worcester ; Mr . J . Yates , Hanky ; Mr . 0 . J . Clarke , Bristol ; Mr . J . Hood , Tiverton .
Deputies : —Mr . T . Wheeler , O'Connorville ; Mr . T . Gilbert , Chartcrville ; Mr . Greenwood , Snig ' s End . Mr . Wueeiee claimed a right to sit as a delegate on the part of the allottees of O' Connorville . It was objected that the number of allottees was net enough , but he found that while some places only contained two or three hundred members , other places contained as man ; thousands , and both returned but one delegate . The principle of numbers was therefore a defective one . He would remind the Conference that there was a great amount of property sunk in the place which he represented , and in virtue of the stoke held by the allottees in
the company , and the influence which the | decisions of the Conference might have on their interests , he claimed the right of voting . His brother deputy from Chartervule joined in this application . Mr . Gilbert could support the statement of his friend who had spoken . A large amount of money had been laid ont on the estate of which he was an allottee both by the purchasers and by the original allottees , a great deal of work was also done on the estate from the beginning . There was much anxiety evinced on this occasion by the allottees , and he trusted therefore that the Conference would grant the desires of those he represented . Mr M'Grath said lie had not the slightest objection to "ire the allottees fair play , but if they admitted " the principle contended for by Mr . Wheeler they must extend the nght of representanot dis
tion with voting to all the estates . He was - posed to admit property qualification at all ; he was surrounded by democrats and that principle Had ahrovs been disclaimed by them . He was disposed to question the soundness of the principle advocated br Mr . Wheeler , as a reason why the allottees should be represented here . They most be looted at as members of the National Land Company , and no more , and he was confident that appearing by deputv only they would have fell justice done them on this occasion . Even supposing fire members to each of the families on the estates they would have only 1500 persons , who would have the power Ol exercising five votes , the number of the estates " possession of the company being five ; while tne whole number of 70 , 000 subscribers would onlyoe Kpresenteu hv a few more votes . He trusted , tnat thev would not be disposed to accede to tneir
request . _ - ¦•• _ After a discussion in which Mr . 801 x 0 % Mr-Xaies , and others took part , it was decided tnftt tne deputies should not be entitled to vote . Mr . Drxox then moved « That the business 1 of this Conference commence at . nine o clock in tne morninsr , sit till one o ' clock , then rise till nan-past two , and sit till five o ' clock . " „ Twthe Mr . Flood moved , as an amendment , That tne Conference sit till seven o'clock . " " Mr . Bostock seconded the amendment . .. Mr . Wheei . ™ sunnorted the original resolntaon
ff gentlemen wished to get through bosin X ' them only make shorter speeches . A m ™^ the delegates would have to he appointedi tc . com inlitees , and if they were obliged ; to si * £ day ' s proceedings , it would be unfair upon ttem . Mr . Dixos would compromise the matter mdeterence to the wishes of a part of the meeting , ne WOnld Sit till Six O ' clock . .-i . «« nrnnlll Mr . Snww , althoughanxious to get home , would not consent to sit till seven , for however much ne wished to attend to his constituents interests , ne also sought to attend in some degree to nis own health . a The question was then put , when there [ appeared for the seven o ' clock sitting , 3 , for the sis o clock
introducing motions be allowed , ten minutes eaen , and after speeches five minutes , and five ™ ma *» for the reply , and . that ^ no delegate be allowed a longer period " * ' •• " - ..- ' - ¦ - ¦''" ¦ % Wheels seconded the > esolnfion , whichwas . carriedunaniaionslvr '"' . " . " " Vj -. !«« . Mr . M'GR ^ a then suggested that the oRpkm should be adopted , of hearing the reports from the members sent from the different districts with re-
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spect to the opinions of the subscribers in their various localities . . ? Mr . Swkbx thought that the Directors should lay Iheir report before the committee in the first instance , and , having received that information , the Conference would be in a condition to come to a conclusion upon it . After some conversation , it was agreed that the course suggested by Mr . M'Grath should be adopted Mr . Suttox begged to request Mr . M'Grath to prepare , as on , the last occasion , an outline of the resolutions passed at the Conference , with a summary of the proceedings , so that the Conference and the Subscribers would have the whole at one view before them . Mr . M'Grath assented ; and the Conference afterwards adjourned till Tuesday .
TUESDAY , August 7 . Mtrmrig Sitting . '"' The Conference re-assembled at nine o ' clock . Mr . Sweet in the chair . ¦ . Credentials presented—Mr . T . Oliver , Hull ; Mr . Halliwell , Kewcastfe-on-Tyne ; Mr . Cleland , Glasgow ; Mr . J . Connell , Bradford ; Mr . Edwards , Tei « nunouth ; Mr . P . B .. Pollett , Salfordj Mr . J . GUbertson , ffewcastie-on-Tyne ; Mr . J . Atherton , Bolton ; Mr . J . ^ SmiJ ^ Binamg ham jsMfieji &; mgten ] Leicester ^ - ~ The delegates were then called on to deliver in their renorts from their respective districts .
Mr . j . Taylor , said that he had but little to offer the Conference , so far as the wishes of his constituents went . A public meeting had been held in the district last Monday , and a resolution had been come to for winding up the company , providing there were no means of keeping Mr . O'Connor from being sued in the local courts as the representative of the Land Company . On all other questions he was to exercise his own discretion . Mr . Sutton : With respect to the locality he represented , there was every shade of opinion and of party . He must say that they were not in a very desirable state at present . Several classes in Manchester thought it would be well to revert to the old plan , and they were of opinion that any deviation from it was wrong . Another class thought that the company should not go on , at all ; not that they doubted about the efficiency of the plan , but he believed himself that that class of men had in whole .
or in greater part , joined the company as a matter of speculation , and with the view ofmaking " money by it . A great majority were of opinion that the company should go on , they having every confidence in Mr . O ; Connor . With respect to merging in the new company , they were universally opposed to it . There were many who would gladly join it , but they were strongly opposed to the idea of assimilating the two companies . There wereothermattersto which he would require to call attention , but he would do so at the proper period , when the questions to which they had reference came before the meeting . Mr . Bostock said he . was instructed to lay the following resolutions , agreed to at ; Nottingham on the 31 st July , before the Conference : — " That if it cannot be shown to the Conference that the company is in a solvent condition , and that it is or can be made a reproductive society , that its aftairs ought to he wound up as soon as possible . " " That the Ballot be restored . "
" That those members that have not paid up thenshares do so by twopence per week per share . ' " That any member being more than three months in arrears be struck from the company's books , and forfeit to the funds of the company all that he has paid . " , " That all paid-up members be allowed to draw out of the company that wish to do so , and such members to receive their money in accordance to the decision of a ballot ; the incidental expenses of the company to be stopped , including local expenses . " That the local secretaries call a shareholders ' meeting to ascertain who wish to draw out of the company , and those remaining who wish to carry the objects of the company out as first intended , shall pay one penny per week per share to pay off such member . "
" That the Conference appoint three Dn-cctors , ( including Mr . O ' Connor , ) the one to be the corresponding and the other the financial secretary , and IfrMJ ^ koffliwhe ^^ agriculturist to visit every estate , to instruct the occupants , and give a monthly report to the company . " "J . Wall , Chairman . " Mr . J . InviSE was instructed to propose that the Conference should adopt some means to pay off the "Tumblers , who brought a bad name upon the company . . Mr . 3 ) . It . Morgan was instructed to say that his constituents had every faith in Mr . O'Connor , but thev wished to return to the good old system , and they trusted that some means would be devised to eet rid of the grumblers . There were some of those
in his district . They had paid some two or three shillings , which they made a terrible row about . ( Laughter . ) The good men were determined to go on / and they had every certainty that Mr . O'Connor would devise some means of doing so successfully . Be was instructed to make inquiry if any grievances existed amongst the allottees .- He found there were , and he trusted the Conference would take these grievances into consideration . ( Hear , hear . ) Mi-. Lorb said that the branches he represented thought it desirable to pay off the grumblers , and thev believed that might be done by mortgaging one
or other of their estates for a sufficient amount to pay off all claims , then to merge the company into a new one on the principle pursued by the building fund , to be carried on by those members who were willing to do so . Mr . J . Brows said that in the district he represented there were five of the branches which tookno part in the local proceedings , but so far as he had received instructions they were to the effect that he should support a resolution to get rid of all those grumblers who did nothing in the way of paying their shares , and after a certain time to exclude all members who did not conform to the rules adopted by the Conference . ( Hear , hear . ) of his constituents
Sir . Watsox said that a part ( the Banbury branch ) had earned a proposition unanimously that the company should not amalgamate with the new Company ; that the disaffected members should be paid off , and the Directors reduced to three , including Mr . O'Connor ; and that they be not allowed to alter any laws the Conference mi g ht propose . From Swindon he had received the following instructions ;— " That the company be put « under the Building Societies Act , so that members " be compelled to pay regular instalments , with fines if not paid at the proper periods . That for members wishing to withdraw means be adopted to pay them off , but no shareholders to get money back until the shares were paid up . That
the ballot be restored lor the beneht of the poorer members . That we have confidence in Feargus O'Connor to carry out the foregoing , and that all attempts to legalise the company be set aside . That if the Conference does not agree to something like that pointed out in the above and other branches that the Company be wound up . " The O'Connorville branch insistel on the allottees on the different estates having a legal title to their holdings , to bo given them at the earliest possible period . To oppose the winding up of the company . To get the ballot restored with such alterations as might restore confidence to the unlocated members . In the event of the company being transferred to a building society , to take care that the _ rents should be apportioned to the value of the soil and the nearness to good markets , so that there might be a
certainty of the allottees being able to pay them ; and to support such measures as might tend to the speedy location of the members . The Newbury branch were unanimous in their desire that the company should not be wound up . Mr . J . Habdixc said that the feeling in his district was that the grumblers ought to be paid off , and , with a trifling minority , they were all of opinion that the company should be carried on . Mr . J . Yates had not received instructions from any of the branches composing his district , but they had held a public meeting , and he could glean from the opinions expressed there what were the wishes of his constituents . They were all opposed to winding up the company . With regard to the grumblers , they thought their shares ought t » be paid up . With regard to the merging into a new company ) they were decidedly opposed to it .
Mr . Bagshaw : His instructions were to go under the old system , and tore-establish the ballot . They had confidence in Mr . O'Connor , and hoped he would devise some means of raising money to pay off the grumblers . They did not desire to merge into the hew company . They also suggested that those unpaid-up members should be compelled to pay lid . per share , per week ; 3 d . for two acres ; 4 d . for three acres ; and Gd . for four acres , per week , or in default to be struck , off the books . They desired that the Directors should be reduced to three—two besides Mr . O'Connor ; and that , if at any time it should be necessary to employ a clerk , they have power to do so . That the company should not on any consideration be wound up , and that the ballot be re-established . That the Directors be not connected with the Chartist Executive , and
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that , they have . nothing to do with any other jcompany . .: i ; : > -:..,: « : ... - ¦ . ¦ Mr . C . 3 . < Ilabke : The opinions of Bristol were decidedly in favour of the continuance of the company but they . desired to impress' on Mr . O'Connor the benefit of getting the company legally established . They [ thoughtthat they ought not to pay the dissatisfied fiembers the smallest amount of money . V-In his district about sixty had paid 2 s ., between fifty and sixty 3 s .- , and they were the dissatisfied ones . The branches concurred' entirely in opposing the winding up the accounts . . - : . Mr . T . Proo »; The resolution received from his constituents was , that they had the fullest cotifl ; derice in Mr . O'Connor , and desired-to cry quids with the dissatisfied members . " ' ' * '¦¦ Mr . T . Gilhebt said that those he represented were decidedly averse to the winding up of the company , believing it possible that measures might be adopted to . carry it on . They thought that the
holders of two or three shares might purchase from the dissatisfied members . He was glad to leant that the greatest grumblers were those who . hadjpaid least , and therefore it would be ho very difficult matter to buy ^ m off . It Was | UggeRt ^^ tot money elubS be formed ; in differeifirJuTOU ^^ p ^ pufchasing . of « bares , and ^ eythouglitlinBtMibla * SeaWthu ? olnea * tn % ht be ^ cted ^ nhs ' rocigty could not . be legally established , they were willing to go on in the fullest confidence in Mr . O ' Connor , and they ^ trustedthatmeanswouldbeadoptedtolocatethe balloted but unlocated members , believing as they did that no confidence would be restored till those men were located . They suggested , therefore , that an immediate call should be made of Is . 3 d . on every member of the company , balloted or not—located or not . The located members were anxious to make some sacrifice , in order to meet the case of those members who were balloted but not located . The Chairman : 390 was the number balloted .
Mr . Gilbbrt : With regard to the . bonus and the ballot , they were of opinion that if richer men leaped over the heads ofpoorer men , that some good should accrue to the company from this also . This would really be the way to get rid of the grumblers . They suggested that no less bonus than £ 5 per acre ' should be taken on every acre ; they would thus be purchasing their right , and the company would not be losers . That not more than half of any estate be appropriated to bonus members ; and with regard to located members , they suggested that security ought to be given to them . He thought , in that case , that half a year ' s rent would be paid by the allottees , for he was convinced they would make any sacrifice in order to secure the good of the
company . Mr ., Wheeler said that he intended to reserve some of the observations which he wished to make until the question' of the estates was before the Conference , but he would take the opportunity of making one or two * remar k s . The members at O'Connorville were not indifferent spectators of tho general interest of the company ; they yet trusted that the plan would be carried out in all its entirety , and were , therefore , opposed to the company being broken up . They thought that the adoption of the ballot would restore confidence to the members . They ¦ were opposed to the company being- merged into a building Society , but if such should be done he trusted due attention would be paid to the claims of
the allottees . The chief object they had in view in sending a delegate was , to endeavour to procure their leases at a fair remunerative rent ; this was the consideration of all others the most important to the allottees : without a certainty of obtaining security for the labour and capital they had invested in the land , they would never be placed in that firm and assured position so necessary to their success . He had various propositions to bring before them at a fitting opportunity , relative to the school property , the unoccupied land on the estate , and return of aid money , & c , by purchasers : unless they allowed persons wishing to dispose of their allotments an opportunity to do so on reasonable terms , they were inflicting injury on the company as well as the
allottees ; the claims of the company upon the allotments were so heavy that they precluded their effecting sales . He trusted they would give these subjects due attention , as the welfare of . the company de-P ^ - ^^^^^ P ^ i 8 ^^^^ r Mr . -GKEBfiwooD . would take anothernowporiunity of bringing before the Conference the wishes' of the allottees of Snig ' s End . Mr . Wilson said that the opinions of tho men of London were very various . There were a great number of branches in London , and generally they wished to go back to the old rules . Since the attempt to get enrolled or registered had not succeeded , they were willing to place every confidence in Mr . O'Connor ; but with respect to winding up of the
company they said they could not take that into consideration until they had the statement of the Directors before them . They wished to establish the success of the company , and therefore they placed full confidence in Mr . O'Connor . Mr . Dowlixo had little to add to what had fallen from his brother delegate . The general impression was , that , if possible , the company ought to be car ried on under the old rules . With respect to confidence in Mr . O'Connor , they were well contented to place their scrip in his hands , to be at his disposal , because they believed his simple word to be better than any act of Parliament in England . ( Hear , hear . ) He was aware that a general feeling existed in favour of buying off the discontented member " .
After a few words from Mr . A . Cleland regretting the absence of Mr . D . Sherrington , who ought to nave supplied his place ; Mr . W . liAiiUWELL said that at a meeting held at Newcastle , the question was debated whether the company should be wound up or not . The parlies who conducted the opposition were men who had bought their four-acre shaves for thirty shillings , and they , acting on Mr , O'Connor ' s statement , that he would give twenty shillings in the pound , were anxious to receive their money , and so pocket so much profit . ( Hear , hear . ) The good men there also had confidence in Mr . O'Connor , whose word they thought better than twenty acts of Parliament . The men of South Shields were anxious that no money should be returned to the
discontented members , but they had no objection to allow a transfer of the shares . They proposed also that they should return to the ballot system , but that some difference should be made in the arrangements . They proposed that every member should pay threepence on each ballot , and that all members who should be located should pay threepence also . They proposed to adopt the bonus also , but tliey desired that such bonus should go to the general fund , because' by the present system the person benefitted by the bonus was actually receiving his benefit out of other people ' s money . Mr . J . Connell had not received positive written instructions , but he had received verbal ones , and these were decidedly to trust to Mr . O'Connorand
, they hoped also that means would be taken to get rid of the discontented members . They bad adopted the plan in Bradford , that every member who did not come forward with his subscription in accordance with the rules of the Conference , should be Struck off the books , and they had carried that plan into effect . ( Hear , hear . ) lie had a plan which he Eroposed to lay before the committee , which would , e thought , meet the wishes of all , even of the grumblers . ( Hear , hear , and laughter . ) Mr . Oliver was instructed that the company should be wound up , so that those who were really anxious should remain , and proceed to carry out the objects of the National Land Company .
Mr . Edwards , like other delegates , had received no instructions . He thought that the dissatisfied members ought to be dealt with in a different fashion from that proposed by other members . He dealt with them very summarily , for he struck their names off the books . He thought it was see-sawing with them to deal with them otherwise . The great majority of the names so struck off had paid very little . If they were a legal body , they had the ri ght of doing so ; if they were an illegal body they could do so , for th ' ey were beyond the law . ( Laughter . ) Some stringent measures should be applied in order to get rid of these men . Mr . Atherton reiterated the opinions of the last
member . Mr . Gilbebtson , after giving a report of the same character as the preceding delegates , said that his constituents proposed , that a penny per share should be paid by each member for the first year , whether located or otherwise . They were opposed to the merging of the old company with the newthat they would not . Mr . Polleit , said that if he were to act up to his instructions , he had very little to do , as his constituents had left the consideration of the question to his discretion . He might say , that they appeared to agree with the opinions of the others , that the company should not be wound up . The delegate expressed the same , or nearly the same opinions as nearly all the other delegates .
Mr . Skevixgton and Mr . Sunn also stated that their constituents did not desire the company to be broken up . There was a considerable degree of apathy on the question , but the proceedings of the Conference , if they recurred to the old system ot
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the ballot , ' would tend to dispel all that , and oncourage members to subscAe up . One suggestion was , that they should pay Iffree half-pence per shave , and so raise a fund to benefit the company , and the P £ RP ! tlon was » that the company should not build houses op . the land , but allow tho allottees to do so ffift . giving them £ 40 , or whatever else wight be decided on ..- There was no getting money 'S'ffi ^ h ' members until something should be decided ° ? M } had various resolutions , but it would be suffi-Cieg | toreferto thorn when the mutters to which they ^ pplied Came before the Conference , ziMf- O'Connor then rose to make the
statement for . the Directors . He said the delegates mm perfectly well understand the delicacy pi" position at that moment , and therefore ¦ llr DOt ^ offer tue shadow of an opinion , Pj ^ vould leave the Conference to decide WM ? they should keep on , or at once wind u jr ^^ company . - He was determined to abide ^ y ^^ tever might be the decision of tho | 0 ^^^ tfpd he ; ^ could only say , that if they ffi ^^^^^ reaking ^ it . . up , they would relieve fiS ^^ P ^ B ^| jdaal of , ^ oublQ-and-anxiety But , ^ hie ^ gf Ber ^ Sm ^^^^ d ^ cided ^ keeping it On , he would not shrink from any
responsibility they might impose on him . He would , in the first place , then , comment very briefly on the statements which had fallen f the different members ; and he hoped the Conference would attend to this , that this was an early , or rather an intermediate , Conference , their annual meeting not being necessary before the month of November . First , then , with regard to the important question of registration } they must be aware that poor men , whatever amount they had paidwhether one shilling , two shillings , three shillings , or four shillings ^—had a perfect claim to
the consideration of the company , as much as any other person , whatever amount he might have paid ; but , at the same time , there were a great many obstacles in the way of arranging business "where so many trifling sums had to be considered ; still , he said , they had an equal , right to kno'w "what security they had , and whether it was likel y they should have a return for their money . This was the question that had puzzled him , because they knew that if the company were registered , this would stand then in tho same position as other com / anies . He did not know whether they wore aware that he had obtained
a mandamus against the Registrar to register the company , and that the case had already been twice before the Court of Queen ' s Bench . Mr . - Justice Patteson , than whom there was not a sounder lawyer on the English bench , met every one of the objections urged by the Attorney-General , who was opposed to them , and gave judgment in his ( Mr . O'Connor ' s ) favour . From July to November there Avas no Court sitting , and , therefore , any delay now arising , was occasioned by the Attorney-General , vfho interposed every obstacle he
could devise to the fulfilment of the object they had in view . But even now , with the judgment of the Court in their favour , they were not au illegal society . Justice Patteson said , he did not see that the law against the ballot interfered with this case , because it did not matter whether two years or two hundred years elapsed before a person might be located , and , therefore " , lie did not think the ballot illegal—so far with regard to the registration . That was as far as the case had gone in the Queen ' s Bench , and it had been in all cases
deoidfidMtiieir favour , ^ JHear , Jhear . ) ' With fcgsSFm fc the ^ windmg up of the company , that he left entirely in their own hands , only impressing this upon their minds , that , notwithstanding the refusal of tho Registrar , the Committee that sat on the National Land Scheme last year , in their repl y to the House of Commons , recommended them to allow Mr . O'Connor to wind up the company , or to legalise it by an act of Parliament , and Mr . Henley , the member for Oxfordshire , said , that as 70 , 000 had signed their names to this
plan , and only from 200 to 300 had been located , it shouldnotbe opposed by Parliament . As soon as they found that the affairs of the company had been conducted with perfect honour and accuracy ; and that so far from his having received anything from the company , the company were owing him a considerable sum ; and , therefore , they at once acceded to the legalisation of the company . If the j udgment of the Queen's Bench was in their favour—as on the former occasions—then
there was an end of the question at once , for the Company would be registered , or whether would they wish him to ask Parliament to pass an act legalising the company at once , without waiting for registration ? The House of Commons never refused to receive the recommendations of a committee , especially if that committee were unanimous . He had asked Sir George Grey and the Attorney-General , whether or not , in the event of the registration not being completed , they would pass a law to enable him to wind up the company . The Attorney-General promised to
communicate with him before the Conference , but he did not do so . He was too busy to do so then , but whether he was too busy to do so now , he could not say . There were three questions before the Conference : First , the registration consequent on the decision of the Queen ' s Bench ; Second , an Act of Parliament to legalise or to wind up the Company ; and Third , the location of the members , as originally proposed by tho compnny , or as required by the circumstances of the case now . He had come to a decision on this point , which he would , at the proper moment , lay before the Conference . In this case he would ask them
to remember , that in dealing with 70 , 000 persons , having different opinions and different views , spread over the whole of tho country , and communicating daily these opinions and these views to the office—he wished them to remember that in dealing with this large class , the subject must be very difficult , and the anxiety consequent on it , consequently great . He had always been in favour of the ballot , and Mr . Justice Patteson having now decided that the ballot was not illegal , he was more in favour of it than ever . "With respect to the third question before the Conference , the
proposition he had to make was , that where sixty allotments were to bo located , one-third of these shares should be given to the members already balloted , but not located ; another third to those who wore not balloted for yet ; ana another third to those who should be entitled to them b y reason of the bonus . Another thing to which he sought to draw attention was , his liability to be called into the County Courts . That was alluded to by one of the delegates , and with respect to the case which came on for trial at Northampton , he had only to say this-that had not Mr .
Roberts—moved b y a feeling of delicacyacknowledged that the writing on the back of the certificate was his , when it really was not , Mr . Gubbins would not have recovered the 27 . as . 9 d . which he had got , much less the 57 . 5 * . He had not got much by his motion , tor the action had cost him about Wl , while he had his 21 . 9 s . M for his pains . He had recovered 21 . 9 s . 9 d . only on the admission of Mr . Roberts that the signature was his , when in fact > it wa not It nad been decided that he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was not accountable for any sums during Ihe time they were provisionally registered , and the
-. ¦ -•¦» (Frompur Own Reporter.) The An...
greater proportion of the money had come in in that time . It was on that plea onl y that Mi * . Gubbins got judgment . So much , then , for that . Now , it had been said that some of the men , who had got four-acre scrip , for which they had paid onl y 7 & 6 ^ ., had now the hardihood to ask . 20 s . for it . Now , the purchasers had no claim on the company , even if they did sue them . That was the position in which this company stood , Any complaint that had arisen had arisen from the men who purchased their shares for 7 * . Gd . and sought to make a profit of them . That much
with regard to dissatisfied men . With regard to merging the company into the new company , the delegates must throw that , out of the question , It could not be done . It would be a complete esstoppel on the new company . He would not , therefore , deal further with that part of the business . They were ail aware of the disadvantages of these _ estates , but when they came to look at ^ to ^ pads- ; -ahd : the , se houseSj . akil ^ ing there , they woufofj In ^ radu ^^ admitthat , * at all events , no great time had been lost yet . Before this day two years he was prepared to say that they would see this plan adopted by
all the nations of the earth , who overstocked the labour market now . They would find that the land which was now lying idle would soon be covered with cottages and crops ; and those M'ould be found to sanction this plan who now spoke deridingl y of it , because he was the promoter of it . It must be so , or there would be a revolution in the country . They were coming upon times when the peop le would not consent to see tho work done by machinery , and themselves starving , when the land was lying idle , and they could do so much better by labouring upon it . He had this to be thankful for—if for no more—that he had
developed the plan which they were met that day to consider , and which he would pled ge himself would be fully carried into effect at no distant day . There were grumblers now , but the Conference would see those very grumblers asking to join them , because they would seo it was their interest to do so . One question was mooted as to the propriety of having an agricultural Director ? Wh y , there was Mr . Doyle ; he had devoted himself to agriculture for two years ; he had read all the books on tho subject , no man was a better practical farmer than him , and it was only necessary to look at his laud to prove it . It was said also that the Directors should be reduced .
There was the financial secretary . He ( Mr . O'Connor ) had nothing to do with the money —they could not discharge him , for all the money passed through his hands . Then he had a secretary to himself , but the company did not pay for him . He had prepared the balancesheet , and he had examined Mr . Doyle ' s balance-sheet ; his own had been submitted to Mr . Gray , and audited b y him , and they would see that they were in a manner , not surpassed by any balance-sheet ever prepared before . There would be no difficulty in understanding it . He had also brought his banker ' s
book , and they should see that also . The whole had been a work of much labour , for with tho multiplicity of small sums coming into the officers , it was not easy to keep accounts correctly . Now , when ho told them that they had available property to the extent of 16 " , 000 / . ; the company owed him some 3 , 000 / . or more , to which was to be added some 1 , 100 ? . or 1 , 200 / ., but that he assured them he should not press for . Some objection had been urged to the bonus , but the Conference should remember that if it were not for the bonus Bromsgrovc could not have
been located . The company had to boast of that which seldom fell to the lot of other companies to boast of—there was not one penny charged for legal expenses . He , as their representative , had not been summoned for any one farthing by any tradesman or solicitor ; they had , therefore , not been put to any expenses on that account . He now came to tho question that had been raised as to the allottees , and the disadvantages under which they laboured . Mr . O'Connor then explained the advantages the allottees had had on entering , and the fact that they had paid no rent
since they had been m p ossession . They had had ample time ; they were aware of all the circumstances of the case under which they entered ; he was determined , however , that if the forthcoming year ' s rent were not paid , they should be compelled to leave . Ho was not astonished to find that these personshaving paid no rent were exceedingly anxious to obtain leases of the property . The people had had ample time ; the Directors did not wish to press them when they were not well able to afford it ; and as proof that it was their object to confer on them all the
advantages they could , he would mention one matter , He received a letter from the Curate of Minster Lovel , asking what he would be permitted to obtain the school-room on that estate for , as he was desirous of instructing the people on the estate . He replied , that he would take no rent , that he was welcome to the use of it . He did come there ; the people were fond of him ; and yet , because it was said that this was a Socialist plan—a Communistic planthat it was framed by the Infidel Feargus O'Connor—the Bishop of Oxford was asked to discharge him , and measures were taken which compelled that gentleman to resign his
situation . ( Shame . ) He could not give a better proof of the reproductive principle of this society than the fact , that even if onl y 30 , 000 outofthonumber ofthesubscribers were to remain true to the company , they , by subscribing three-halfpence a week , would realise a sum of 13 , 000 / ., which would pay all claimants . Tbe speaker then went on to show how much mi g ht be effected for this sum . He had told them what they had to do , and he would now leave the matter in their hands , confident that they would adopt such means as they thought proper for tho object of benefitting the subscribers to the National Loan Fund .
[ After some conversation , arising on some of the points adverted to in Mr . O'Connor ' s address , the matter dropped , it being understood that the subject should be resumed in the evening . ] The Election Committee was then appointed , the members being—Messrs . Edwards , Sutton , Munday , Skevi ' n ^ ton , and Taylor . . The Conference then adjourned .
Afternoon Sitting . On resuming the sitting at half-past two o ' clock The Ohaikmax read several communications . Mr . Edwards , on the part of the Election Committee , reported that they found Messrs . Wilson and Bowling were duly returned as delegates for London , After some questions put to Mr . O'Connor , and a discussion respecting the infraction of the regulations of last Conference , e Mr . Hardino moved ;— "That the company should continue its operations under the provision of the host means the company can devise . " Mr . Haixiwem . seconded the motion .
Mr . Sutton moved , as an amendment ;— " That the company should be wound up . " Mr . Oliver seconded the amendment . After a ^ desultory , discussion , in which Messrs . nosTocK , Flood , Skevinoton , and other delegates t 00 i \ i P avfc - ' . he question was put to the vote , ^ orit ° V 1 S'nal motion wa 8 carried by a great ma-J % ' ^ S CK ttl 0 n moved : - " That , i" the opinion of tins Conference , the National Land Scheme can oc made reproductive . "
-. ¦ -•¦» (Frompur Own Reporter.) The An...
. Seconded by Mr . Monciy . This question gave rise to a veryir-nsrlioned discussion , in which Mr . Munday ami other delegates took part , as to whether the land would reproduce a rental , and support the iillottces . Messrs . Gilbert , Whkeler , ami Ci .-ki . asi > , severally spoke , on the part of the allotlue * . admitting that the Jam ! would clearl
y yield them an independence , although ,-at first , thev wove obliged to endure great hardship ,-which rendered it necessary that they should ask the patience of the company for a short time longer . Mr . . O'Coxsob replied .. Ho contended that they ( the Directors ) could nst control the seasons ; and as to the capability of two or three" acres of land for supporting a family , ho would show—From other journals than the Northern Star—that tliiiS was the ~ c ^^
case , Tho discussion , after the withdrawal of the motion , fell . . The following delegates wore then . appointed an Audit Committee * . —Messrs . Edwards , - Harding , Lord , Sweet , Brown , Bowling , and Morgan . ; The Conference then adjourned . WEDNESDAY , August 8 . Morning Sitting . The roll having been called , on ' the motion of Messrs . Skevington and Munday , tho minutes were read and confirmed . Credentials were then presented from T . Saunders , from the Brighton district . . The . Chairman of the Finance Committee obtained leave to delay their report until the afternoon sitting ,
Correspondence was then read from Messrs . Beattie and Bradshaw , relative to certain claims they , as allottees , had upon the compan v , Mr , Clark explained the circumsta . ' ; ers under which the Directors had refused to comply-, with these claims , as also did Mr . O'Connor . The last Conference had certainly decided that Mr Lradshaw , one ofthe claimants , should be paid the sum of £ 30 " by way of loan , but , owing to the funds of the . company , it had been impossible toxcomply
with thffclaim ; :. * ; ft ^ : ^ - / ^^ . ; - ^« a $ S ^ - r - ft ; ; Mi * . O' CONNOR apologised if ho hadjiSsetV ^ iVy-iiarsh expressions towards Miv ' M'Lolland , ' whose character ho highly eulogised . Mr .: O'Connor then proposed : —" Thai , henceforth , members who have paid-up shall bo located upon the following terms—viz .: one-third to be assigned to members who have bsen balloted ; onethird to be balloted for by paid-up mesibcrs , and one-third to be assigned to paid-up members who shall pay the highest amount of bonus , " Mr . LOUD seconded the motion . ¦
On the motion of Mr . Eowatids , seconded by Mr . IIaUDINO , the motion of last Conference , relative to a quarter of each estate being appropriated to balloted members , or a compensation of £ 0 per share given in lieu thereof , was rescinded . Mr . Conselii had proposed a plan to his locality , which had been entirely approved of , and would submit it to the Conference as an amendment to that of Mr . O'Connor : — ' * That members be located by bonus instead of by ballot ; that- 300 members should each pay £ 1 per year , and then ballot amongst themselves for a member to be
located , they to pay back the interest of tho money and the principal by instalments . " lie entered into elaborate calculations to show its practicability , the calculations being based on the principles of a building society and a money club . Mr . O ' Cossor showed that it would act well as a local arrangement , hut that it would bo impossible to carry it out as a national plan , and would effectually bar the legalisation of tho company . Mr . IIarmxg expressed similar views to those of Mr . O'Connor , and expressed doubts whether its complexity would not be a barrier even to its local adoption .
Questions were then asked by Mr . Ouvr . n , relative to the money invested in theredeniptionfuod , and whether it could be applied to the bonus fund . Mr . O'Connor assured him that it could . Mr . Skevixgton was in favour of the balloting being carried on in districts , the country to be divided for that purpose , Messrs . Morgan , Irwin , and others , showed its impracticability , and expressed their approval ofthe perfect fairness ofthe system of balloting previously adopted . Mr . Munday moved : — " That the members be located by ballot , and that each member be allowed an extra chance in the ballot , by paying an extra amount in the shape of extra ballot shares , and that tho member being so located be allowed it in his rent charge . " He expressed his opinion that it would be more fair to tho poor members , than tho system of bonus . The amendment was not seconded .
Mr . Saundehs was m favour ot the plan laid down by Mr . O'Connor , as it would give satisfaction to all thomombcrs , whether they were in favour of bonus or ballot . He trusted they would allow members to purchase the shares ofthe dissatisfied , and place them to their credit in the bonus account , a weekly subscription should also be entered into by the members , until all were lopatcd . Mr . O'Connor ' s motion was then adopted . Mr . Bagshaw moved , and Mr . Ta . yi . ok seconded : — " That l ^ d . per share , per week , bo paid in continuity by all members , whether located or unlocated , but no member holding more than four shares should be required to pay for more , unless he chose ,
Mr . Bostock wished to know whether a member purchasing a quantity of shares , would have to pay the lid . upon all the shares so purchased . Mr . O' Connor explained that they would , or it would bo open to collusion . Mr . liosiocR thought theyshould take some steps to induce members to pay up their shares before they levied this extra tax upon them , lie thought it would prove impracticable , and would hinder them from paying up . Mr , Svrcios thought it . would bo breaking faith with those who , on Mr . O'Connor ' s suggestion , had purchased shares , if they levied this extra amount upon them . Mr . Yates : Parties purchasing shares should be allowed to have them placed to their credit in the redemption department .
Mr . Haudixg thought it imperative they should disengage themselves from the dissatisfied , by selling or mortgaging the rent charge ofthe estates . Mr . O'Connor : That would be the very worst plan of winding up the company . Mr . Gilbemson asked a question relative to tho transfer of shares , which elicited remarks from Messrs . M'Grath , Clark , Edwards , Dixon , and others , in which it was clearly elicited that purchase shares had not been and could not be received as bonus , but if a member had paid £ 2 011 his own account , and purchased another share on which IDs .
had boon paid , the sum would bo placed to the purchaser ' s prior share , and ho would stand on the company ' s books as having paid £ 2 10 s . Mr . Munday inquired tho number of paid-up shareholders , and in reply it was stated that they amounted to about 17 , 000 . Mr . Taylor : Supposing that out of 17 , 000 shareholders , 11 , 000 were dissatificd , and the remaining 0 , 000 purchased their shaves , ho thought they ought not to be called upon to pay the lid . per week on these purchased shares , but only on those for which they stood the
ballot-Mr . Edwards asked the Directors if thev could enforce the payment ; the local secretaries " could not obtain levies , they were victimised for their expenses . He had dealt summarily with the grumblers , aad turned them out ; the paid-up mombore had a licence to grumble . Mr . O'Connor thought it would bo better to wind up the aflUirs of the company if the shareholders would not abide by the decision of their delegates . Mr . Taylok : They had now given them tho stimulant of the ballot , which would induce many to pay up . Mr . Smitu considered it would be only a recommendation , and that tho members would not pay until it was legalised . Mr . Dowling thought the ballot would induce them to pay up ; his constituents had lost all hopes since tile bonas had been adopted , but they would restore confidence .
It was then carried that they resolve themselves into committee . Mr . Gilbebtson moved , " That branches or individual members be allowed to purchase tho shares of those who are dissatisfied , and apply the same either ii pay up their own share ? , or , if paid up , to go as bonus . " Mr . Skevixotox stated his constituents wore of the same feeling as those of Birmingham . Little money would be paid until it was legalised ;• there was but little inducement to purchase the shaves of the dissatisfied ; he thought they had bettor suspend operations until after the decision in the Queen ' s Bench . Mr . Bostock understood , from the reports given in , that tho members would have confidence if the
ballut Was adopted , and dependence placed in ' Mr . O'Connor , regardless of the law . Mr . Skevington exp lained , that if they entirely abandoned any idea of getting legalised thcy might restore confidence , but not while they remained in a state of suspense , continually endeavouring to get legalised , but failing . A discussion then took place as to whether the Company was now under provisional registration or whether it was out of the pale of the law ; and whether they could scratch members who had not complied with tho calls of the company . Mr . O'Coxxor promised to obtain the best legal opinion and putlish it in the ensuing Northern Scar . ( Continued to the Eighth page . )
A few days ago , Mr . S . Swain , engineer of the " Ethiopia" steamer , caught a young shark while amusing himself with fishing ia . thoKe ^ on ¦ JJ *^ It measures about fourteen '"^ f ^ y T ^ Pja /^ gj ^ s considered a great cwri 05 ' ^^?^^^^!^^^ . 8 are rarely caught in these 5 ^ i » desj ~^ £ x ) i IdVVyVI , / HSt ..,.. NifJfflS fchesff & MBdes ^ gN )
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 11, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_11081849/page/1/
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