The “Columbine,” brig, built for Messrs. G. and A. Steward, had been launched.
Dec. 27th.—Mr. W. Saunders had been elected a Councillor for the St. George’s Ward, in the place of Mr. Grave, deceased.
The Teetotal Society had a procession, headed by a boy on horseback, which was “set upon” by the rabble, and several of its banners destroyed.
1839.
Jan. 3rd.—The first half-yearly meeting of the governors and subscribers to the Hospital had been held, and is reported as follows:—
“On Friday the first half-yearly meeting of the governors and subscribers to the Hospital was held at the Town Hall, the Hon. and Rev. Edward Pellew in the chair. Mr. A. Drew was unanimously elected resident Dispenser, at a salary of £60 per annum. Some alterations of the rules were agreed upon. Mr. S. S. Barber then moved that the votes for officers to the institution should be taken by ballot, and not by voting papers, as at the first meeting, which was lost by a majority of 17 to 13. It is intended to bring the question forward again at the next meeting. The Rev. J. North, honorary secretary to the institution, stated that at the last yearly meeting of the old Dispensary, in October, it was resolved that an application be made to the subscribers to the Hospital for a grant from their funds to discharge the additional bills. At Lady-day last they had moved into the house at present used for the Hospital. They soon felt they could not maintain the increased expenditure with the same funds, and a meeting was called of the subscribers, when the proposition was first started for the Hospital, and in the end the Hospital was established. At the close of the year, owing to circumstances over which he could not say who had the control, it was found that the managers of the Dispensary could not pay their liabilities by £33. They had furniture which was valued at £7 10s., leaving them minus £25 10s. 0¼d. He now asked whether they would make a grant of that amount from the funds of the Hospital. B. Dowson, Esq., proposed that a transfer be made of that sum to defray the deficiency, the new institution having been established on the old one. C. Nichols, Esq., seconded it on the further ground that the old institution had deferred several applications for assistance for the benefit of the Hospital, such as sermons at church, &c. Mr. North said all their funds had been merged into those of the Hospital. John Lacon, Esq., thought it would be better to raise the sum among themselves, which proposition, after a great deal of discussion, was ultimately carried, and 13 sovereigns were subscribed in the room. The decision was extremely satisfactory to all the new subscribers to the Hospital.”
A very handsome vessel named the “Jenny Jones” had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.
Jan. 10.—Edward Woodrow, baker, had been committed for trial on the prosecution of the Guardians, for selling them short weight bread for the paupers.
Jan. 17th.—The Poor Law Commissioners having complained of the Board of Guardians because they had presented a Christmas dinner to the paupers, the Guardians justified such proceedings.
Jan. 24th.—A subscription had been entered upon for the purpose of relieving the families of those seamen who had been lost in the recent gales. £115 was collected in the room.