On this page
- Departments (3)
-
Text (7)
-
^parltantemarg 3bxttUi£tnce
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
®he <£t)TlieY& $&&$mnt
-
Untitled Article
-
MEETINGS AT HUDDERSFIELD.
-
Untitled Article
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
^Parltantemarg 3bxttui£Tnce
^ parltantemarg 3 bxttUi £ tnce
Untitled Article
BOUSE OF L 0 RD 3—Jjudit , Awj 2 . j The Earl of Daxhousib moved the third reading of the Railways Bin , on -which The Bishop of IfOKiK ) N proposed the amendment of vhich he bad given notice . It trill be recollected that in ths Common * an amendment was carried , requiring that third-class train * jhonld be ran on every day that gut and second elan trains travel . Thii irould , there fore , include Sundays—the bill originally only requiring third-class trains on week days . The Bight Rev . Prelate now proposed to restore the word * , " on every
¦ reek day , except Christmas and Good Friday . " He intimated that he had no-wish to place any restraint on whatever facilities existed for travelling on Sunday ; bat hs thought it both novel and objectionable for the jjegialatHre to enforce Sunday travelling ; These , thirdclass bains would travel too slowly for those who -wished to avail themselves of them for short-pleasure excursions , while the additional labour thrown on the railways would interfere with those exertions -which bad bean and were jnnlring to enabte the asrr » nta of the eoxipanlBs to attend flitine sarvica .
lord BbO'CGHjlH professed Mb strong desire for tte Sue keeping of the Sabbath , and bis opinion that its desecration was morally and physically prejudicial . S at a vast change h ad taken place since bis y » ung fiays in the keeping of the Sabbath , which , in Engjand , was now regarded with a decency and respect which formed a striking contrast to tke aseetism ' of Scotland and the laxity of Catholic countries . All effort * to make the Sabbath unpopular by compelling its observance , only frustrated the object sought , and
interfered with the progress of that voluntary observance which was the result of feeling and conviction , If divine service were attended In the forenoon , he saw jjo harm whatever in devoting the afternoon to innocent recreation ; and he urged the tImtps of the humbler classes , pent up in lanes , alleys , and streets , during , six gays of the week , to enjoy the innocent pleasures of the country on-tb& seventh , the only day within their power , and who , by thus . relaxing themselves in the fields , were weaned from grosser enjoyments fritfrB alehouse and the-« n palace .
Lord Monteagle , the Earl of Wicklow , and the Marquis of Clanricarde took part in the discussion , the latter remarking that the clause Aid not compel railway companies to provide travelling conveniences on Sundaysj it merely provided that if , on that day , fint-claa carnages were conveyed , third-class should be ton also : The Duke of 17 blxi 3 gtoj » , seeing that there prevailed a contrariety of opinion on the clause , proposed the ^ jrtnynTnHnt nf ihf , rtiw . nnsioD till Monday , which agreed to . lord "WHAS 5 CL » rz moved the third reading of the Unlawful Oaths ( Ireland ) Bill ¦ ou which
The Maxquis of Clabicabdb rsviewed the present condition of Ireland , contrasting it with "what it was under ths late Government , dwelling on tke grievances « f the Inch people , pointing out the remedies for them , and the policy which would prove conciliatory ; and contending that the repeal agitation was bow as rampant and as dangerous as ever . He pressed on the GroTBmzaeat &e neoesnty ol adopting measures large enough to alkviate physical destitution , mitigate political discontent , and ensure the peace and . traa * gnilitj of the conntry . lord Wbxrs cliffs recounted the measures adopted by the Government during the present session , the increased grant for education , and the announcement respecting Maynooth , as evidence of the anxiety of the Government to treat Ireland as an integral portion of the empire—to govern it not by means of a party , but on equal and impartial principles .
Lord MoKTXAGLE urged that beneficial laws placed on the statute-book would be the best answer to those who demanded the Repeal of the Union . The Earl of Wicexow replied that no legislation of the Imperial Parliament weald satisfy the Rspeal party . He believed that the Government were sincerely desirous of ameliorating the condition of the Irish people . lord Campbell regretted the crippled state in which they engaged in this discussion ; they were preelnded from referring to the state trials , and a renew of the condition of Ireland without reference to Mr . O'Conneil was like the play of Eamlet with the part of Bamia omitted far that evening " by particular desire . 11 He would rather see the constitution suspended than the law perverted ; no good would be done until they treated the Catholici of Ireland as their fellow-subjects .
Lord WsXBUCUyys made a few observations la reply , and the bill was then read a third time and passed . Some other measures were advanced , and the House adjourned .
Mosdat , Arc 5 . The Bsrl of Radsob said , their Lordships would reeelleet that on Friday last a report from the Secret Committee appointed to inquire into the practice of detaining and opening letters at the Post-office was laid on the table . He now wished to ask the Noble Sake opporitewhetheTit was the intention of her Majesty ' s Government to bring in any bill founded on that repor t ? The Dake of T 7 ELX 13 GT 03 said he had seen the report alluded to by the Noble Earl in tike House that day ; but he did not know that any one of her Majesty ' s Minister's had seen it , and , under these dreumstaneeB , it was utterly impossible for nisi to state what they intended to da
The Earl of Radkok said , after the statement of the Koble Puke , he felt it to be feis duty to lay on the table a bill to amend the act of the 1 st of Victoria , cap . 36 , for consolidating the Post-office acts . In doing so be wished to make one or two observations with reference to what was stated in the report It now appeared with respect to the opening of letters , that letters passing to and from foreigners had been opened at the Instigation of the Foreign Secretary—not with a view to matters concerning Her Majesty ' s personal safety , or the safety of her kingdom , but with reference to the affairs of other states . It appeared , that for a long period of time , and
mder different Administrations , letters addressed to foreign Ministers had bein sent from the Post-office to the Foreign-office . The Postmaster-General had been Induced to make inquiry into the matter , and finding that the proceeding was sot legal , the practice had been discontinued . Tfow it was evident , that the power given by ths Act of Parliament related wholly to cases where danger to the state was apprehended , and had no reference whaterer'to the af&irs of foreign powers . It appeared , therefore , necessary that a measure should be passed to prevent the abuse of this power , and for that purpose he introduced this bUL The £ 01 was read a first time .
The adjourned debate on theBallways Bill was resumed by Lord "Whaxscliffs , who proposed a-compromise , in the shape of & clause requiring that when first and second clan trains are run on Sundays , they shall be accompanied by third-class carriages , at least ones each way . Considerable discussion arose , but ultimately ibis clause was carried , and , thus qualified , the Bishop of London ' s amendment was adopted . The Sill was then passed , subject to the adoption of the amendments by the Commons .
The Earl of Mrsio called attention to the present state of our naval establishment , which he contended , was wholly insufficient , looking to the present posture of public afiaira , and the possibility of the peace of the world being disturbed . We had but nine ships of ! the line in commission ; the Mediterranean fleet con- ) Ested of only one , and -we had but two to protect the coast of England , should any emergency arise j and if war were to occur , there was nothing to prevent an ' enemy from sweeping the Channel and the West Indies . . Tfee Xoble Earl also adverted to thB recent occurrences at Tahiti , blaming the Government for leaving our in- ' terests neglected and unprotected in that part of the : world . He moved for a return exhibiting our actual j ssral force . l
The Earl of Haddisgtos censured the Earl of Mlnto with Biaking an inconvenient speech , without having a parliamentary ease to justify it This country had overwhelming means of dtfenee * vailable , should war arisej though our present number of ships of the line in commission was Email , they were well manned ; and oni dockyards were busily occupied in the feuilding of additional vessels , and in adding to the strength of on ? steam marine . He alleged that the Government ' " had tone its duty in -watching British interests in the Pacific , but lie abstained from present comment on the ncent occurrences at Tahiti .
The Ihifce of WXiLISGTOS had been in ihe habit of censuring the late Government for attempting to sustain a state of actual warfare by the aid of a peace I stabiislnnen fc . . At present British interest * were in no : danfer from fhe want of adequate fictti * of protection I in any part of the wor ^ d ; those who had been guilty ' of the recent eccentricities in the Pacific were respon- ; « ble for their conduct , which he left to be inferred was j the subset of a negotiation . f The Marquis of Clasbicabdb and the Earl of , Habd-b-icek having addressed the House , the Earl of , Misto made some observations , in reply , and then his , motion was negatived .
Xord "Whaescliffb , in moving the commitment of j the Poor Law Amendment Bill , stated its nature , point- ] fag out inwhatiespects it effected improvements in the j existing l&w , mitigating it where experience had shown s Eat it was too stringent , as in bastardy , apprentice- ] ship , Settlement , night asylums for the casually house- j ¦ low , fce . : ThB Duke of Kichmond , Earis Fortescue and Hard ! * ieke , Lords Littleton and Stradbrooke , the Earl of j Radnor , tke Marquis at Clanricarde , and Lor * Camp- j ** H took part in the diseassion , after which the Bill j Went into a committee pro forma , and the House ad- loamed , ^*^^^^ m ^^ £ ^^^ tmmm ^^ j
Untitled Article
HOUSE OF COMMONS-Fbidat , Aug . 3 . ^ le House of CommoKS met yesterday Boon after twelve o ' clock ; and ,-on the motion for going into committee upon the Insolvent Debtors' Bill , The Solicitob-Gekxbal detailed the three principal objects of the bilL The first related to some important amendments as to the cessio Jxmorum ^ the s&oond was to abolish imprisonment for debt in execu tion in actions for sums tif 7 p" than £ 20 , exclusive of « wts ; and the third related to aome improvement in * he law of bankruptcy . He ( the Solicttor-General ) . had contiaered this measure in all lls bearings , ana the tes&liwAs , a pejfeej conviction tlat that part which
Untitled Article
• boltshed imprisonment tot debts under £ 20 would do a great deal of good lo the community . The Hon . and Learned Gentleman proceeded to show OaA the abolition of arrest for debt on xnesne process , on the commencement of as action , had not been complained of as -injurious to tradesmen giving credit foi small amounts , or as increasing the facilities of getting isto debt by poor persons without visible means or payment ; and these he understood were some of the objections against the present measure . The Hon . and Learned Gentleman next proceeded to show that the duresse in which poor debtors were placed by their creditors , while it inflicted a load of misery on the former , did not In any degree increase the chance of obtaining payment by the latter . He drew an affecting picture of the sufferings of poor persons confined for small debts , and con * eluded by imploring the House to Interfere , and , by passing this bill , put an end to this system of vindictive oppression .
Mr . M . Philips and Mr . Wortlet objected to legislate open so important a subject , especially in the absence of the legal members , without more time for consideration than the present lateness of the session would allow . Mr . AGL 10 NBY was of the nme opinion . Be observod tfeat then were classes of workmen who were unable during some part of the year to obtain employment , and whose subsistence during that period depended on the credit of the wages to be earned by them in the busier season . This : credit would be checked by such a measure as the present On the balance of advantages and disadvantages , he believed that the abolition of the creditor ' s remedy against the debtor ' s person would operate injuriously to the workbig classes .
Mr . Spoonee concurred in these views ; and asked why , if the abolition were expedient , it should sot be extended to all cases , instead of being confined to the eas « of debts under , £ 20 ? Why was the rich merchant or manufacturer to have a remedy against his debtor which was refused to the small shopkeeper ? Sir J . Grahah said , that if the House were not to legislate except when the legal members could be present , they must give up legislating at all during four mo&ths of the six The session always began with a great struggle for power . Then followed the spring circuit . Practical legislation hardly began till after Whitsuntide , and then the summer circuit speedily succeeded . Daring the circuits , therefore , the House
must really use its common sense , and do as well as it could without the lawyers . He vouched the experience of Scotland , where arrest for dobt waa unknown ; and cited the testimony of several commissioners of local courts in favour of the abrogation . The power of issuing a capias had not been possessed by the old county courts , nor by any of the local courts , until the middle of the last century , when some of them began to obtain it ; but even now it was not authorized by any general statute . The cruelties and evsn horror * of some of the small debt prisons were of a nature to require an immdiate remedy ; those of the Birmingham gaol were still fresh in the public memory ; and they were evils which the Government had no power to redress . He read to the House the reports of persons who had been appointed to inspect the Birmingham gaol and the Kidderminster
giol ; and in both these places the state of the prisoners , as sat forth in those documents , waa revolting to common humanity . Sir James Graham added , that as he thought the principle of imprisonment for small debts an indefensible one in itself , he had judged it better to abolish the arrest than to attempt any cure of the evils existing in the gaols . The opposition to the measure was ultimately mitigated by the intimation of Sir James Graham , of bis intention to add clauses granting compensation , fee , which will meet the objections urged against it On this the bill went through cemmittee , and is to be reprinted , with the new clauses , and re-committed , with the understanding that the Government will not be subjected to the inconvenience of having again to Eght the bill seriutim through committee once more . It is to be re-committed on Monday .
The Charitable Donations and Bequest * Bill then went into Committee . Sir J . Graham proposed some additions , which he desired might be printed before any debate should be taken upon them ; and explained , in answer to some observations from Mr . Wjbb , that the general object of the Bill wu greatly to relax the statutes of mortmain , by allowing charitable gifts of land to be made in perpetuity to persons in holy orders ; but that it was not the intention of Government that perpetual gifts of land should be made to monastic orders . The other orders of the day were then disposed of without debate ; after which ,
Mr . HtMB moved that the House , would , in the next session , take into consideration a series of resolutions , placed by him on the notice-book , " respecting the Savings' Banks of the United Kingdom . " He stated his object to be merely the placing of those resolutions upon record , and would forbear from making a speech . Mr . Go TJLBrxs , adverting to the length of the resolutions ( which occupied seven folio pages ) , expressed a jocular doubt how far it was convenient for Honourable Members to print their pamphlets at the public expence . ' The motion was negatived .
Monday , Avg . 5 . The House of Commons met at twelve o ' clock . Sir R . Peel moved the second reading ol the bill sent down from the House of Lords to repeal the obsolete penal acts against the Roman Catholics . No security provided by the act of 1829 was touched by this measure , the effect of which was to place all Roman Catholics , taking the Roman Catholic oath , on the same footing with Protestants in respect of franchises and civil rights , and to repeal some acts which bad become a dead letter . One of these made it a crime to maintain the spiritual supremacy of the Pope ;
another made it punishable to neglect attendance at divine service on the Stfc of November ; and another prohibited a Roman Catholic £ fom having a horse worth more than £ 5 . Really , in repealing such laws the Legislature was not so much conferring a favour on the Catholics as relieving its own Statute-book from a disgmee . So far from being bulwarks to the Church , these lawa were outworks which might be used lij reason and ridicule against her . The establishment in these days must be maintained , not by defences of that kind , but by sound argument and th& affectionate attachment of the people .
-Mr . BjTWZS asked whether it was intended also to repeal the obsolete laws affecting the Protestant Dissenters ? Sir R . Peel , without pledging himself on a subject not then before the House , was ready to declare that if thera were any law imposing heavy penalties on Dissenters for absenting themselves from divine service on account of conscientious objections , he would support the repeal of that law . On the order of the day for the third reading of the Irish Charitable Donations Bill ,
Mr . D . Beovtne expressed a hope that it would be postponed . The Roman Catholic hierarchy of Ireland were opposed to it , and Mr . Wyse's approval of it was no reason why it should paw , for that gentleman did not possess the confidence of the Roman Catholio clergy . He believed it , indeed , to have been proposed in a spirit of conciliation ; but still that was not , with him , a sufficient inducement to support it He moved that it should be read a third time this day six months . This amendment found no seconder .
Mr . M . J . O'Cohsell said , that after the best consideration , he had felt it his duty to abstain from joining in the opposition to this bill . He liked its spirit , which he thought of more importance thau its words . It had no compu l sory operation ; and it effected a great good by raising the worldly condition of the Roman Catholic clergy without diminishing their influence over their flocks . The bill was read a third time , and passed . In committee on the Insolvent Debtors Bill , Mr . M . Phuips objected to the clause abolishing imprisonment for debts below £ 20 . It would prevent a poor man from obtaining credit
Sir Jahes Gkabau said , that the Bill had been so framed as to give to the creditor every facility of proceeding against the goods of the debtor . But as the abolition of imprisonment was the Tery essence of the measure , he thought it would be best to postpone this clause now , and take the discuBsion of it upon the third reading . The Committee than proceeded with the remaining clauses . The House adjourned , after some ether business , to five o ' clock in the af lernoon , when
Mr . Gladstone obtained leave to introduce several Bills , for the purpose of their being printed and circulated during the recess . Most of them were consolidation Bills .- the last waa for amending the laws relating to the relief and support of merchant seamen , their widows , and children . * At seven o ' clock the House adjourned .
®He ≪£T)Tliey& $&&$Mnt
® he < £ t ) TlieY& $ && $ mnt
Untitled Article
TO THE TEADESHEN A >* D I . VDUSTRIODS CLASSES OT THB CO 0 KTIES OP HOBTHDMBSBLAMD AND DUBHAH . We , the committee chosen to solicit aid in support of the Miners now , and fer a considerable time past , on strike , respectfully beg leave to call your attention to their case . Per a series of years you are well aware that the condition of the whole of eur industrious community has gradually become worse , one reduction following another until their condition has become such as loudly to . can for tlxe sympathy and interference of every lover of Ms kind , But , in the case ol the Minera , the committee beg leave to say that reduction has reached its utmost limits , the conduct pursued towards them being no longer endurable .
For a long period , in fact ever since the commencement of Collieries in thiB district , the Miners have been engaged from year to year by bonds entered into for that period , and which are absolutely necessary from the fact of the Collieries being situate at a distance from the towns , and being obliged to be attended to during theheurs of darkness , thus rendering the Miners an isolated body ; but of later years it has been the habifc of coal owers and their viewers to draw up these bonds without any consultation with the workmen , and fcy introducing clauses of a very penal nature have , by
Untitled Article
means of fines , irregular weights , measures , 4 o ., so reduced them that , according to the clearly demonstrated statement of the Miners , the average rate of wages for the very first dass of Miners , the hewers , have of late yean been only Us per week , for spending their days under the most dangerous circumstances in the bowels of the earth ; and when the men merely ask , by having a voice in the formation of the bonds , to be enabled to protect themselves from such rapacious exaction , and seek to
obtain fair and equitable remuneration for their labour , so as to be enabled to provide for their families and not be deprived of the fruits of their labour by arbitrary and unprincipled fines and exactions , the Coal Masters , one and all , seek to overturn the practices of the trade which have ; existed for ages , and to substitute in their place bonds terminable monthly , which , from the nature of the Miners'occupation , would render them totally defenceless , at the whim and caprice of the Masters , and any one having a little brief authority under them .
The Committee beg leave to call your serious consideration to the constant attacks which tf late years the capitalists have made upon labour . First one class of the industrious cl&s&tt and then another have been sacrificed to add to the alreadj pvergorged capitalist ; and they trust that you will agree with them in opinion thafc the case of the Miners calls for the most strenuous support from every one interested in the prosperity of the industrious classes , it being clear to the Committee that so far from this being a case between the Coal Owners and Miners alone , it is a question pregnant with the most important results to every man who has to earn bis bread by the sweat of his brow : for should the masters succeed in their present unrighteous attempt upon the Miners , the subjugation of every industrious section of the community will be fixed without any hope of remedy .
The Committee , therefore , beg to call your attention to their case , and trust that you will aid them as far as lies in your power . By order of the Committee , Thomas Fousteb , Chairman .
THE STRIKE IN THE NORTH . The viewers have been lately at considerable trouble to circulate reports about certain colliers having got bound and begun work on the masters' terms , therefore , this is to give notice that such is not the case with any of the collieries bo reported . At the Marquis of Londonderry ' s collieries one hundred and fifty of the strangers ( Iriahmen ) have given up and are going away , and about fifty of the old bands have joined the Union again . So much for the report of the viewers . Again , at Lambton colliery twenty-four strangers have left , and others are intending to go as soon as they get their wages ; numbers of Welshmen , too , are about to leave . The Scotchmen from Dundee are also gone . At Stanley Colliery twelve men joined the Union last night , being tired of the Masters' new agreements .
Urpeth Colliery , twelve men left off work , and joined the Association . Pelton Fell , held a meeting last night , and say they intend to join the Union again . Springwell , one man left the Union , and went to work , bnt came hack the next day , and said he would work no longer at the hard terms of the masters . At Kelloe Colliery , about thirty men came to work , but after meeting with the men , have determined not to go , and those at work are going to give up . At Seghill about fifty have given up .
From this the public will perceive the important necessity of being cautious how they give credence to the tx partt statements of the Viewers , and we trust they will not gWe credit to flying reports ( raised only to dslude and deceive ) until they hear the other side . To the Miners we say be firm , be united more stroDgly together—cherish good-will and friendship to each other—strictly keep the peace , therein lies your strength . When you meet the masters , do go in a respectful manner—hear what they have to say , and the terms they offer ; you know beat whether to accept anch terma or reject them ; do this , &&d yottT Ultimate success is certain . By order of the Miners' Committee , John Clash , Dis . Sea Committee Rooms , Newcastle , August 3 rd , 1814 .
Sbkopshike . —Most excellent meetings have been held at Hart Hill , Trench Dawley , > ladeley Qoarry and Madeley Wood , which were addressed by Messrs . Joseph Edwards and Wm . Dean , agents for the District , assisted by half a score very able local lecturers . The men > e * m more determined than ever both to spread the principles of the Union and to assist their brethren in the north . Messrs . Bennett and Jones collected from the tradesmen in Oaken Gates on Saturday last , 13 b or 14 s ; at Hart Hill 17 a ; aud of the brave lads at the Trench £ 1 ; the rest are determined to contribute according to their ability for the noble men of the north . A poor man in this district came forward with his contribution last week , who has been compelled to eat potato parings and salt for two days ! Such ia the spirit of union !
Houghall Colliery—On Thnrsduy the 8 th of July , eighteen families were unmercifully hurried out of their houses to exiat as they best might in the open air . But all things work together for good : before night came cpon us we all found shelter in the houses of a few generous friends in Old Stdncliffe , where we have been very liberally supported by Mr . John Hutton , Inn-keeper ; co we may say these things have turned out for the best , as many familits have now a meal where they had not onB before they were turned out We must not forget also Mr . George Hutton , of Ridley . To both these worthy men we tender our most grateful thanks . The Minees of Ewwjck Colliery acknowledge the sntn of 24 a 9 d from the weavers of Stockton ; also the suia of 18 s Id not previously acknowledged .
Bbadgate . —The Miners of Old Park Gate Colliery return their sincere thanks for the following subscriptions : —Joseph Aizilwood la ; John Aizelwood 6 ( 1 ; John Dyson Is ; M . Gregory 6 d ; J . Lee 4 / 1 ; James Lee 6 d ; Friend Is ; George Sellars 6 d ; Henry Kelly 6 d ; John Law Is ; Job Hartley 6 d ; Wni . Gest 6 J ; James CMtholm Is 61 ; John Civil Is 6 d ; James Cooper 6 d ; Tnomp » Lodgin fid ; Thomas Drewery 6 d ; Edward Dickinson 3 d ; George Linley 6 d ; Thomas Hague Is ; James Saman Is ; Wm . Sam an Is ; James King 1 b ; M . Cay Is ; a friend 6 d ; a few friends 9 d ; George Virnom 2 a 6 d ; Wm . Virnom 2 s 6 d ; Thomas Bradley 2 s ; Messrs . Barbers' colliers £ 116 s 6 d ; a few friends 4 s .
Meetings At Huddersfield.
MEETINGS AT HUDDERSFIELD .
SANATORY CONDITION OF THE TOWN . IMPORTANT PROCEEDINGS . The good folks of Huddergfield have latterly been engaged in some important proceedings , concerning the government of their own Town , which we have been called on to notice . In compliance with the request made , we hasten to lay before the public a short history of the interesting proceedings . The Town of HuddersSeld is peculiarly situate . It is built in the midst of scenery at once lovely and majestic . The dwellings are of a superior class , being bnilt of an excellent clean-looking stone , and with comforts and conveniences that are in vain
looked for in the bouses of most other large manufacturing towns , particularly Leeds and Manchester . The character of the abodes erected for the working classes in the former place , will bear a most advantageous comparison with those of the two latter . The natural drainage of the town is moreover very good . Situate on an incline , considerably above the bed of the river , the refuse and filth , if proper drains and sewers were made , would immediately pass away . The air is most salubrious ; and the town is , all things considered , one of the cleanest and best ia the kingdom . Still there are in it filthy places ; spots where drainage is unknown , and whero every species of dirt , and its
constant attendant , debasement , is always to be found . The local Acts for the government of the town are also notoriously defective and deficient . For many of the evila that exist , there exists no power to apply a remedy ; and for many otherB , the powers that exist are adequate to their cure Just now , the supply of water , through tho long dronght , is inadequate to the wants of the Inhabitants ; and the proceedings to which we refer have arisen out of tho calling of the Inhabitants together , to confer with the Commissioners of Water-works as to the propriety of an application to Parliament for an amended Act to secure a more copious supply . . . _ ..
Before noticing the proceedings of the meetings that have followed such callings together , we mast premise that the Huddersfield Water Works Act , which procured for the Inhabitants water of the purest quality , scarcely to be equalled by any in the kingdom , is a public act ; one for the benefit of the Inhabitants at large , and not for the benefit of a company - of shareholders . The principles , object , tendency , and scope of the Act are all of the most public spirited and unobjectionable kind , with one exception ; the managing power is selp-elective , and is not reqnired to account regularly to those for whose presumed benefit it is called into being . Another local Act , for the Lighting , Watching , and Cleansing of the town , has a management of a precisely similar character ; and the Act itself is of
very little value for its purposes . At the meeting called by the Commissioners of "Water-works , for the purpose above set forth , and hqldenon Friday , July 19 ; h , Mr . Joshua Hobson , who is an inhabitant rate-payer of the town , mooted the question of whether it would not be much more wise , if the Inhabitants thought of going to Parliament at all , either for increased water-supply or other immediate pressing object , that they should make the most of the opportunity , and go for a general measure for general sanatory improvement , seeing that one expence would serve for all , and moreover remove the objectionable principles by which the Executives of the two existing Acts were now called being , and , by consolidating the management of one comprehensive scheme under one general head .
Untitled Article
inafee that management directly responsible to the rate-payers at large , and thus introduce and establish the wholesome principle of sklf , govebn-* f T ; . htered into detail to show the neccssity for some snob , measure * and showed that in obtaining it , the Inhabitanta could , at a very slight expence , Becure all the advantages that had cost ¦ f ^ J ^ . ^ t ^ usands of pounds , and much exponence , todevelope . The idea was most favourably received bjrthei meeting , composed of the influential parties or the town : and a committee waa unanimously appointed to institute inquiries as to the desirability and practicability of such a measure , each Committee taRepert to an adjourned meeting , to be holden pa Monday last . The adjourned meeting was duly holden at six o clocfc m the evening , in the National School Koom , at which the Committee made the following
REPORT . The Committee appointed by the inhabitants of Huddewaeld . in pnbllc meeting assembled , on Friday , the 19 th day of July , wltbinstrnctiona to Inquire as to the desirability of embodying in any Act of Parliamentthat may be applied for , affecting the Tonw ana Inhabitants of Huddersfield , in relation to the supply of Water and additional Water- works , men otner powers and provisions as may be deamed necessary and essential for tho good government ef the Tovrn , HAVE TO REPORT AS FOLLOWS , To the Adjourned Meeting of the said Inhabitants , to be holden on Monday evening , August hth , 1844 .
That your Committee was composed , according to the vote ef the meeting which gave ifc existence , of the Magistrates of the town ; the Commissioners of Water Works ; the Commissioners for Lighting , Watching , and Cleansing ; the Surveyors of the Highways ; the Overseers ; the Chief Constable ; Mr . Joshua Hobaon ; and Mr . S . Glendining , the Chairman of thepnblic meeting : and It appears that the object bad to view in constituting the Committee thus mainly of the office-bearers of the Town was , firstly , to ascertain the defects and want of power in the existing local Acts that have come to the knowledge of those appointed to execute them , with suggestions for adequate remedies founded on experience ; and secondly , that none of these parties might consider themselves slighted or lightly passed over in a matter of such moment as that entrusted to the Committee .
That the Committee was first convened together by a circular letter signed by the Chairman of the public meeting , and the meeting held in the room of the Water Works , In Spring-street , en Monday evening , the 29 th of July . That such Committee was attended by a considerable number of the Commissioners of Water Works , some of the Commissioners for Lighting , Watching , and Cleansing ; the Chief Constable ; Mr . Joshua Hobson ; and Mr . Glendinning , the Chairman of the public meeting . That when a proposal was made that a Chairman for the Committee should be appointed , and the Committee proceed to transact the business for which tbey had been formed , Mr . Barker , Law Clerk to the Commissioners of Water Works , cose and apprized the members of tue Committee present , that tho Comtnfsstonera of Water Works had bad a previous meeting amongst themselves , at which they bad discussed the propriety
of their being appointed as a portion of such Committee for such purpose ; and that they had determined , in effect , not to act on such Committee ; for should the Committee recommend the Inhabitant * to go to Parliament for a general measure , embracing general powers , and not confine their application to additional powers to the Water-works' Commissioners alone ; and should the Inhabitants think proper to sanction and give directions to aot on such recommendation , the Commissioners of Water Works weuld net feel themselves at liberty to take the initiatory steps to carry such determination into effect : inasmuch as such a proceeding would be a seeking to supersede themselves ; a sort of legal suicide ; a catting of their ownAhroats as Commissioners , —a proceeding which they heU was hardly to be expected of them , It was atse intimated that sneb was the opinion of those Individual Commissioners for Lighting and Watching that had been seen ; and that they also declined to act .
That , when this announcement was made , it was remarked , that it was not in the power of either set of Commissioners , as Commissioners , to go to Parliament at all ; . that anch a proceeding could not possibly be by virtue of their office , for tbey were called into being to execute existing Acts of Parliament , aud not to go to Parliament for new Acts ; that whatever they did in this way they must do aa private individuals ; that any application that might be made , must be made with the sanction , and on | buhalf of the Inhabitants ; and that there was as much propriety and as much public spirit in going to Parliament for a general Act , should the Inhabitants deem that course the best , as there was for a special Act for tho special purpose of conferring on the Commissioners of Water-works additional powers .
That the Commissioners present still adhering to their original determination not to act on tke Committee , the rest of the members could not then proceed to actual : business ; but a short time was spent in friendly conversation respecting the several matters entrusted to their consideration . That steps were then taken to procure a meeting of those members of the Committee that had not declined , or were under stood not to have declined , to act : which meeting waa holden on Friday evening , August 2 nd , at the Pack Horse Ion . , That such meeting was attended mainly by the surveyors of Highways , along with the chief-constable , and Mr . Joshua Hobeon .
That the several matters entrusted to the consideration of the Committee were each of them duly canvassed and examined in their several bearings ; and that the unanimous recommendation of the Committee to the inhabitants of Hudderafield emphatically is , to IJ « SIST , that if any application be made to Parliament to increase the powers of any of the Local Acts now in force , advantage be taken of sbcu opportunity to press for , and obtain , if possible , an Act to remedy all existing deficiencies in such Local Acts , as far as known ; to confer all new and additional powers deemed necessary for the good government of the town ; to consolidate the management and execution of the different Local Acts in the hands of one
Board of Commissioners , composed of the Justices of the Peace for the tiras being , and of a certain number of the principal Inhabitants elected by those who ure chargeable to the several rates raised in pursuance of such Acts ; and to provide that the accounts of such Commissioners shall be yearly submitted to the ratepayers in veatty assembled , for approval or disapproval . That , the Committee in giving this strong recommendation , trust they have weighed all the reasons of the case , and looked every , even imaginary , difficulty
In the face . The objects thus embraced they know to be highly desirable , as passed experience sufficiently attests . The Committee are aware also , that the general feeling of every class of the inhabitants is decidedly in favour of such a course , though some may not so easily see the way to its attainment But the Committee are sure , that a few moments examination of what has been don *; a bare examination of the acta now on the Statute Book , will show tbafc all contained in the above recommendation , and even more , can be most easily embodied in one Act of Parliament : for it has repeatedly been done .
That , the Committee would beg to call the serious attention | of the inhabitants to the state of the law which the Lighting and Watching Commissioners are appointed to execute : a law notoriously defective for its intended purposes , and one which the wants of the inhabitants , arising from increase of population and trade , have fat ! out-grown . It 1 b well known , that the Commissioners appointed to execute that act have conceived that the Act gives them a power to appoint and maintain paid day constables , or police ; white other parties hold that such appointment is without even colour or sanction of authority —( all the powers respecting watchmen in that act contained , relating only to a niyhtly watch ; and not to common constables at all)—and taat the Commissioners ar& liable to be made to
refund , to the rates all Bums of money that they may have expended in payment of such daily police . This state of things , to say the least , is one ol great d » ubt ; and it clearly ought to be put an end to , which it easily might be by the general Aot recommended confining , clearly , distinctly , and unmistakably all powers and authority respecting Ul © mUfaiog ol the town to the iugiit , when watch is needed , and not to the day . This is the mote necessary , seeing that the Parish Constables' Act , by virtue of which wo now have constables in nearly every street , gives the inhabitants in vestry assembled power to appoint any number ef paid constables for the day , and to apportion their salaries out of the Pool's Rate . The other powers conferred by the Act for Lighting , Watching , and
Cleansing the Town of Hudderafield , are also sadly deficient . Indeed , tbey may almost be said to be inoperative . It is notorious that there are filthy nuisances in all parts of the town , which are allowed to continue from year to year , and no means taken for their abatement or removal . The health and well-being of the Inhabitants n quire that energetic steps should betaken to remove every nuisance that exists ; and stringent powers ought to be conferred on some official body for that purpose , with a power in the Act to enable the inhabitants to compel such official bods to dp its duty in removing such nuisances wherever situate : and such powers the Committee recommend to be embodied in any act of Parliament affecting the Town of Huddersfield that may be sought for .
That , the Committee have reason to believe that the Btate of the law as it is affects tke Surveyors of the High ways iaqot generally imown , nor how inadequate it is to provide for the wants of the Inhabitants of a large town , however adequate it may be for the keeping in repair a general turnpike road . The Surveyors have no power to drain the streets or roads under their care , other than for the top or surface water falling on , or running along , such streets or roads . This point has been bbled in the superior Courts : and it is thus manifest that the Surveyors have no power to make drains in the public streets at a considerable distance below the surface ; such a distance , for instance , as would be sufficient to drain the cellara of the houses abutting on such streets . A&dyet how manifest it is that such drains are necessary and indispensable 1 Ought there , then , not to be a power given to some official body to cause such drains to be made ? Such a power , clear , defined , and undoubted , could easily be contented on
Untitled Article
the body of Commissioners called into being by the general Aot the Committee recommend . Tbat , it is notorious that there are whole streets in the town of Huddersfield , and many courts and alleys , which are neither flagged , paved , sewered , nor drained ; where garbage and filth of every description are left on the Burfoce to ferment and rot ; where pools of stagnant water ate almost constant } where the dwellings adjoining axe thus necessarily caused to be of an inferior and even filthy description ; thus where disease is engendered , and the health of the whole town perilled .
It is unfortunately no less notorious , that the Surveyors of the Highways have no power to cause this horrible state of things to be otherwise . They cannot take streets into their charge , to be maintained at the public expense , until they ate first paved , severed , and put into a sufficient state of repair by the owners of the dwellings and other property abutting on them ; and they have no sort of power to cause this to be done . A power of that character is Imperatively required , and it can only be conferred on the commissioners by some such general Act as the Committee recommend .
That , the Committee would earnestly coll the attention of the Inhabitants to , the peculiar situation in which they ( the Inhabitants ) stand in relation to the Gas Company that supplies the town . That Company exists without legal sanction . It has , in fact , no legal existence . It is not incorporated by Act of Parliament . It can neither sue nor be sued . It has trespassed with every foot of pipe that it has laid in the public streets . It has ne right to open the streets of the town , either to re-lay , take up , or repair the pipes that are there . It la ia this particular entirely at the mercy ol the Board of Surveyors , who could prohibit and prevent the opening of the streets and roads altogether ; and the Board of Surveyors ! have it sot In their power
to grant permission to any body to break open the streets and lay pipes , even if such permission were sought . The Committee believe that it would be impossible to find a parallel case to this of the Hudetersfleld Gas Works , throughout the whole kingdom . It is clearly a state of things that ought not to exist The vast amount of property laid in the public streets by the Gas Company ought not to be in constant periL Sufficient power ought to be } taken in the general Act recommended to authorise the Commissioners to open the public streets , lay pipes , and execute all otker works necessary for a due supply of the best artificial light yet in use , and also to treat with the present Gas Company in such a way asi would make the property now perilled perfectly secure .
That , the Committee recommend that in any aot that may be obtained , of the nature and scope contemplated in this their Report , power be taken to enable the commissioners to erect , for the use of the Inhabitants generally , a commodious and creditable Town Hall , wherein all the public business of the town may be transacted , and all public books , accounts , papers , aud documents kept and preserved . The { want of such building is apparent . Meetings of the different public officers are now held in different : and scattered places of the town . The magistrates meet in a hired building , in ene part ; the Commissioners for Lighting and Watching , in another part ; the Commissioners of Water Works in another ; and the Surveyors of the Highways la another . The consequence is , that the public
documeuts are scattered in many hands . Some of them are of great value , and all are liable to be lost or purloined . An action is now even pending , instituted by the Board ef Surveyors , to obtain possession of a moat important document , called the , award , by which some valuable property is conveyed to the Inhabitants , and which document has got into the : possession of a private individual through the present loose and lax system of conducting public business ; j and he refuses to give it out of his custody into the hands of the proper efficer . A Town Hall , properly constructed , with due convenience for Ibe meetings of all public bodies , would remedy this unsatisfactory state of things , and would moreover be at once a credit and an ornament to the town . And if such Board ] of Commissioners as the
Committee contemplate was ; called into existence , had the power conferred on them by the Act to erect such Town Hall , it would not ; disable them from apply , ing for , and trying to obtain some portion of the £ 20 , 000 left by the late Sir John Ramsden , to be expended in improving the town of Hudderefield . Perhaps no one erection would be of such manifest public utility as a Town Hall for the purposes and objects herein indicated ; and therefore an arrangement between the Commissioners and the Trustees of the Rsmsden estates , either for the latter to erect such a building , and dedicate it to public use , or to aid the Commissioners in such erection , would be a wise and judicious application of a portion of the sum left in their hands , and well accomplish the object of the donor . 1
That as respects the inadequate supply of water during the droughty months of summer , the Committee deem the experience of the inhabitants sufficient to establish the fact The enquiries of the Committee lead to the conclusion , that if the measures contemplated by the Water-Works' Commissioners are carried into effect , the present amount of supply will be trebled : thus a supply will be secured far more than equal to she wants of the Inhabitants of Huddersfield for a long time to come . In case that increased supply should be obtained , the Committee recommend that the Commsaioners have power to lay mains in the suburbs of the town within a fixed distance of the Market Cross . If the supply ia abundant , there is no reason jwby neighbours should not enjoy the benefit : more especially as a very slight
outlay in mains will bring in a considerable revenue , and confer on the Inhabitants of such districts ode of the greatest of boons . Still it is a serious question for the the Inhabitants to consider , whether it will be worth the cost to go to Parliament alone for an additional supply of water . It is well knowu that a great portion of the present supply is consumed by millownera , for scouring and washing purposes ; by dyers ; by brewers ; and by parties who use it for other than domestic purposes ; and there is reason to I believe that if this portion ot the supply , —which can only be had on special contract , and is only to be supplied when the inhabitants have enough for { their domestic uses ; there is reason to believe that if this portion of the supply was withheld , there would be enough for the domestic
wants of the inhabitants . It thua , then , becomes a serious matter of inquiry , whether it would not be better to withhold that portion of nupply in droughty seasons , and let the whole of the supply bo at the service of those who need it for food and household uses , rather than expend £ 10 , 000 in merely increasing the supply for all . It is true j that the water , if here , would bo of great publio benefit ; but £ 10 , 000 to get it here is a large sum . Of that sum a good portion Would b 3 expended in obtaining the Act : and an Act , embodying all the powers , and accomplishing all the purposes set forth in this Report , and any others that , the Inhabitants might deem ; desirable , could be obtained fer nearly the same cost ; while separate Acta for these purposes would entail endless expence . There
would be reason in taking advantage of the present condition of the water supply ; and embracing the oppoatunity to go to Parliament for : a general Act , not only to increase that water supply , bat also to accomplish nil the other most desirable objects herein sketched ; for nearly the one expence would servo for all ; and the execution of the several purposes of such an Act would be much better attended to by a body of Commissioners directly reiponsible to the rate-payers of the town , than if the several powers were entrusted to different Boards of Commissioners , self-elected , responsible to no one , not compelled to account to those for whose interest they are presumed to act , aud composed in some instances of one hundred members , of whom i any five are a . quorum .
If there is publio spirit and pride enough in the town to adopt this desirable and beneficial course ; to ga to Parliament for a general Act to place Huddenfield first in the list of well-governed towns ; to make it an example for others to copy ; if there be public spirit enough to cause the wealthy portion of our citizens to take this question up , subscribe the requisite guarantee list , and prosecute the measure through Parliament : if there be public spirit enough In the town to do tkis , the Committee recommend that the Inhabitanta should give full permission for suob application to bs made , taking care that the certain principles on which the measure is to be founded are distinctly understood . But if there be not that amount of public spirit ; if the necessary
guarantee cannot be procured ; if indifference to their own best interests bou . d up in the welfare of their own town ; or if a / ear of imaginary ' opposing influence should cause the wealthy to withhold their support : if this Bheuld be the case , the Committee recommend that the Inhabitants withhold their consent , at present , for an application to Parliament for an increased supply of watex alone . Under such circumstances tbey will have but to insist that the supply there is shall be devoted to domestic purposes first ; and , while they pat up with what of inconveniences will fall severally to their lot , they must trust that time wi ll show to those who have the raeauti the necessity that exists for such a general measure of improvement , and ! hope that with conviction will come the necessary action to obtain it .
That , should such an Act be ssughfc for to secure such copious supply of water as is above spoken of , as well as the other ebjects set forth in the Report , the Committee would further recommend that power be obtained to enable the Commissioners to erect a suite of Public Baths on a scale commensurate with the wants of the town , and on such a plan as would secure the greatest benefit of bathing to the inhabitants at the lowest charge . It is needless for the Committee to set forth the reauons why sucb an erection would be beneficial . Toe advantage to public health ; to personal ; cleanliness ; to comfort , and even , indirectly , to public morality itself , from Ire * quent ablutions of the body , are too obvious to need
reciting . No large amount of population ought to be without a set of Publio Baths ; and the charge for their use ought to be no mora than will just cover the cost of their management . In the appendix to the first Report of the Health of Towns Commission , jaat published , will be found a ' plan of some projected Public Baths for the town of AshtoB-under Lyne , with details of estimates ; and it to there calculated that the managers will be well able to afford a warm bath for 2 di or 3 L , and a cold bath for Id . If there were Baths In every manufacturing ; town at such moderate charges , what a vart proportion of the population would avail themselves of their use . Let Hnddersfleld be of the first to set the example !
In conclusion , the Committee would reommena , that if the consent of the inhabitanta be given for an application to Parliament , at all , on the present occasion , it ebail only be for a general ACfc , embracing the general powerB herein shadowed forth , and all otaeia that may
Untitled Article
by deemed necessary and desirable to secure the well * being of the town : to stipulate that the execution of such . Act shall be invested in a Board of Commissioners composed of the Justices of the Peace , and of fifteen elected inhabitants , eight of whom shall retire at th « end of the first year , and their places be supplied by others , elected by the parties made chargeable to the several rates to be raised under the Act or any of them ; and * the re maining seven at the end of the next year ; and so on every year , one half of the elected portion of the Board retiring from office . ^ That it shall also be a principle of such general Act , that the Commissioners be required before their year of office expires , to produce their Accounts before the vestry , for the adoption or rejection by those on whose behalf the several monies have bees raised and expended .
And also , tfaat though certain powers may be conferred on such Commissioners , to effect certain improve * ments , and erect certain buildings , yet that there be a clause in the act prohibiting ths expenditure of more ) than £ 290 on any one improvement ia any one year , without special consent of the Inhabitants in vestry assembled for the special purpose . The Committee further recommend , that for tho carry * ing out the objects set forth in this their Report , another Committee of influential and public-spirited individuals be appointed by the Inhabitants , whose duty it shall be to appeal to the wealthy portion of the town for aid and co-operation in securing such a most desirable measure : that to this end they endeavour to get the guarantee fund subscribed for defray ing the expences of the application to Parliament , and also a diaft of tha intended Bill prepared , to be submitted to a meeting of the owners and occupiers of property in the town of Hudderafield , before it be presented to Parliament .
That , to guide such Committee in preparing sucb draft , the present Committee beg to call their attention to the Local Acta that have been , and are now , In force in the neighbouring town of Leeds , particularly the one passed in 1824 , wherein all the principles herein set forth have bean embodied , and in successful operation since the reign ot George II . ; and where particularly the plan of elected Commissioners has been found to work fer publio benefit : for although the election of the whole board haa there been annual for
nearly a century , yet there has been but one instance , during that whole period , of such election being contested ; while , as the parish records show , the most influential Inhabitants , of all parties and seats , have bees regularly appointed to the office , and the management has been remarkably cheap and satisfactory . The Committee would also recommend that the local Acts for other towns , particularly Liverpool and Manchester , should be obtained , that it may be ascertained what portions of them could with advantage be embodied ia the one herein contemplated .
And , finally , the Committee recommend , that if these , their several recommendations , or the major portion of them , should be received and adopted bf the Inhabitanta in meeting assembled , to whom this Report is made , that such meeting should adjourn fora few weeks , to enable the appointed Committee time to ascertain what prospect there is , among the moaied men of the town , for tha project to succeed . Signed , on behalf of the Committee , Jonathan L&ech , Chief Constable , Chairman .
. After the Report was read , Mr . Hobson went into a number ef statements and arguments in support of its several positions , clearly establishing the far greater wisdom of the course in going for a general Act , made as perfect as knowledge aud inquiry could make it , rather than the foolish course of seeking for separate Aots , continuing separate self-elected managements , and entailing endless of expenoe on . the inhabitants in the obtaiument of such Acts . He also shewed that it was scarcely possible for opposition to such a measure of manifest utility to present itself from any quarter ; and that even if it
did , the general tendency of legislation on these subjects would soon send snob opposition to the right-about , if not grounded in reason strong and tenable . The arguments adduced carried conviction home to a most crowded meeting : and the following resolutions were moved , seconded , and unanimously adopted , after debates of a most spirited and , interesting character . The meeting was crowded , and attended by most of the shopkeepers , many of the professional men , and several who movo iii a higher sphere ; all of whom seemed to take deep interest in the proceedings .
RESOLUTIONS . lit—That the Report now presented and read be received . 2 nd—That this meeting , composed as it is , of owners and occupiers of property , and other inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of Huddersfield . is decidedly of opinion that it would be of great benefit to the town generally were an Act of Parliament obtained embracing the several powers and objects set forth in the Report of the Committee now presented , with all others that might , on inquiry , be deemed necessary to accomplish the desired end , and also embodying the principles respecting the formation and functions of the Executive body set forth in the said Raport : and this meeting hereby calls on the public spirited Inhabitants of the town , to take the necessary steps to cany this meat desirable object into effect , by ratescribing the necessary guarantee fund to enable such measure to be presented to Parliament for legislative sanction .
3 rd—That the following gentlemen constitute a Committee ( with power to add to their number ) authotizad from the meeting now assembled , to endeavour to give effect to the general desire' for the obtaimnent of an Aot bo necessary and beneficial ; that for this purpose they be requested to procure the requisite guarantee from the wealthy portion of the Inhabitants , incompliance with the standing order of the House of Commons ; and that they also cause a draft of a Bill to be made , embracing the objects , powers , and principles Bet forth in the Report of the Committee presented to this meet ing and hereby adopted with all other powers that to such Committee may seem meet and necessary to compass tbe general object for which such measure is sought : tbe undertanding being that such draft Bill shall be submitted to the Inhabitants in meeting
assembled for approval , correction , emendation , or addition before it is presented to Parliament : — J . Brook , Eq ., Qreenbead J . Leech , Chief Constable W . Brook , Esq ., Gledholt Q . Crosland , Crosland-W . W . Battye , Eaq . Moor J . Armitage , Esq . T . Marshall , brewer T . Starkey , Esq . T . Varley , Edgerton A . Eastwood , dyer S . Norris , Ditto T . Hayley , Market-place R . Dewhirst , woollen J . Shaw , diaper printer L . Mareden , came * Jerrie Kaye , merchant J . Booth , Marfeet-p ' . ace E . Whitworib , Sarveyor A . Walker , Upperhead- M . Greenwood , Ditto row J . Firth , Overseer F . Scbwann , Esq ., mer- W . . Paul England , Churchchant warden . J . Hobssn , bookseller
4 th—That should such Committee fail In the object for which tbey are appointed by this meeting , either for want of the necessary guarantee fund , or from other causes , which will prevent the prosecution of sucb general Act , embodying such general powers and principles , through Parliament , this meeting ia of opinion that the whole question of application to Parliament , to amend any of the local Acts affecting the town of Hudderafield , ought to remain in abeyance till the necessity for such general Act shall become more apparent to tbe wealthy portion of the inhabitants , and the pressure -of circumfltsnceB evolve sufficient public spirit on their part , necessary for its obtainment t and this
meeting of Inhabitants , by this resolve of their ' s , hereby recorded , refuses to sanction an application to Parliament tor a mere amendment or addition to the Water Wer&B Act , or any other local Aot , affecting the town of Hudderafleld , seeing that such application for such temporary and isolated object would entail nearly as much expense on the Inhabitants as the prosecution and obtainment of a general measure * , embodying not only thai particular object , but all others necessary to enable the town of Hudderafield to become one of the best regulated towns in the Empire ; and , believing too , that the reasonableness and justice of such & course will soon become so apparent as to cause all patties to join heartily for its accomplishment . <¦
6 th—That inasmuch as tt ia evidently intended by tbe Act of Parliament , authorizing the erection of the HuddersSeld Water Works , that auoh water should first be supplied to the inhabitants of the township for their domestic uses , before any should be supplied ^ manufacturers , millowners , brewers , dyers , or other parties for special purposes other than domestic , it be an instruction from the inhabitants in public meeting assembled , to the Commissioners of Water WorkB , to confine such supply during tbe periods of scarcity to those who by the law are first entitled to have it : and
tbey are hereby required to give notice to all who are served on special contract , that such contracts must be determined during snch periods of scarcity , until the supply can be augmented through powers obtained from Parliament in a general Act , affecting not only the prebent Water Works Aot , but all the other local acte of tbe town , and consolidating the powers now entrusted to irresponsible seV-efccfed parties , into the hands of a body of Commissioners emanating from , and directly responsible to , the payers of the several rates raised by virtue of such Act or Acts . _ . ... . cannot without
6 .-a ihat this meeting separate returning thanks to the Water Works Commissioners tor calling the inhabitants together to confer with them on the present emergency ; and though tbe Inhabitanta have not deemed it proper to accord their consent to an application to Parliament foe a mere addition to the Water Woiks Act , yet the object tke Commissioner had in view will be thoroughly accomplished by the obtaining of the general Act which tbe Inhabitants have determined ^ & go for . 7 th—That the thanks of the meeting be given to the former Committee for their very able , luminous , and valuable Report ; and that such Report be printed and circulated among the Inhabitants , as the best explanation of the necessity , nature , extent , and scope ot the is tended measure that can fee given .
8 ; h—That for the purpose of affording the Committee appointed by this meeting time to perform the work entrusted to them , thi 3 meeting stand adjourned fyr a period of three months , or until Monday the Hth of Nov ., 1844 , at six o'clock in the evening : the said Committee however being requested to convenoa t > pscun meeting of the Inhabitants before that time , it they detm it advisable , or ntctssary to do so .
Untitled Article
^ AuGtrsT 10 , 184-L ' THE NO lit HERN STAR ; 7
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 10, 1844, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1275/page/7/
-