everywhere evinced the marks of a rapid increase of population." At the end of Elizabeth's reign, the population was estimated at not more than 700,000; and before the rebellion in 1641, at 1,456,000. Thus the population of Ireland had doubled in about 40 years; while it has only doubled in England from 1682 to the present time-a period of 150 years. In 1805, the population of Ireland was estimated at 5,395,456, and in 1812 at about 6,000,000. It is now upwards of 8,000,000, independent of nearly 500,000 Irish in England and Scotland, and a large yearly emigration-amounting, from 1831 to 1841, to 403,459.

By the general law of population, (says Mr. Martin,) there is now, however, a less rapid increase than formerly; the number of females, however, still exceeds the number of males in the proportion of 103, and until the sexes are equal, population is not stationary; nor does the population begin to retrograde until the number of male births exceeds those of females. Population in Ireland has increased much faster than property, and hence the still comparative difference in the wages and comforts of Ireland in relation to Great Britain.

The preponderating number of the female population is a sure test of augmentation and of prosperity. The relative numbers of the sexes at three periods were as follow:

In the West Indies, during slavery, the male population and male births preponderated over those of females. But since the abolition of slavery, the female births predominate. In new-peopled countries, such as America, Australia, &c., the female births predominate, and continue so, until population has reached the limit of subsistence.

When population and subsistence are at a par, the numbers of the sexes are equal; and when subsistence is below population, the male births predominate, and population is diminished to the level of subsistence.

We are as yet very imperfectly acquainted with the fixed laws that govern the increase or decrease of population; but, adopting the generally recognized assertion, that population increases in the ratio of food and comforts, it must be admitted that, as Ireland has doubled its population in less than half a century, there must have been a great augmentation of food, and of material prosperity conducive to the social advancement of a nation.

Mr. Martin, it must be admitted, has disproved the "allegation" which he undertook to refute, but whether he has, at the same time, established an improvement in the condition of the Irish people, or merely strengthened Mr. Doubleday's theory (elsewhere referred to), we cannot pretend to determine.

COAL-MINING.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE GATESHEAD observer. SIR,-In the article of last week, under the head "COLLIERY ENGINEERING, ITS RISE AND PROGRESS," &c., your correspondent, Mr. M. DUNN, chronologizes the year 1815 thus:

"Ia the year 1815, Mr. James Ryan appeared in this country, under the pretext of preventing accidents, by exhausting the gas by chemical and mechanical processes; and although, in the opinion of practical viewers, his schemes were entirely visionary, yet, to satisfy the public mind, Messrs. Buddle and Hill, and the Rev. Mr. Hodgson, were sent to Staffordshire, to report upon his system; and their report was entirely condemnatory of his views and propositions. His printed projects seem also to have found their way to Belgium; where, because of being less tested, they have found a much more important place in their mining annals."

Now, as the above article is said to be a revision of an essay, read by its author before the members of the Newcastle Mechanics' Institute, doubtless for their correct information, I beg permission to ask, by way of illustrating the object of my addressing you, what would be the effect, the direct tendency of such an essay, read by an M.D. before an institute of medical students? Had an essayist of that profession said :—

"In the year 1628, Mr. Henry Harvey appeared in this country, under the pretext of having made great and important discoveries in Physiology and Therapeutics, by his new theory of the circulation of the blood; but although, in the opinion of practical surgeons and operators, his schemes were entirely visionary, yet, to satisfy the public mind, Messrs. Primirosius, Parisanus, &[Riolianus, three eminent foreign pro. fessionals, were consulted, besides every physician of this country above 40 years of age!!! and they all, with one consent, made a report which was entirely condemnatory of his views and propositions. His printed projects [in his Exercitationes dus Anatomica de Circulatione San. guinis, &c.,] found their way to the Continent; where, because being less tested better understood], they found a much more important place in their physological annals."

Now what, I ask, would be the impression upon the minds of a medical auditory, by such an essay on the history of Anatomy and Therapeutics, as this insinuation upon the theory of Harvey! No doubt it would be, that it was fallacious in principle, and unworthy of notice, save as a beacon of warning from off some dangerous heresy. Now, Sir, the two paragraphs here brought into juxtaposition, are both of them, in their dry and merely history character, equally true. In 1628, Harvey, after the completion of his studies in Italy, came back to this country, and pretended to his discovery. In 1815, Ryan was invited by a philanthropic society, because he pretended a knowledge of saving life, by curing fiery mines. Harvey was condemned by the practical part of the faculty as a visionary. Ryan was condemned, says your correspondent, by Messrs. Buddle, Hill, & Hodgson; and the printed projects of both reached the Continent, and both received important coadjutors there; where their respective schemes were more liberally tested. But all this is but a part of the truth regarding the parties involved. It is but the first blush of the case. Upwards of two centuries have established the ignorance and bigotry of Harvey's detractors; and probably less than 20 years may equally expose the prejudices of Ryan's, and give him a place as high in the annals of mining, as, in comparison of the subjects, Harvey has attained in medical history.

When Mr. Ryan came to the North, in 1815, he came charged with no Utopian theory.

He had practically carried out, in mines, much more dangerous than any in this district, the schemes which he volunteered to put in effect here; but he was prevented all opportu nity of trial, and his philanthropy was thwarted by a report, which, however respectable the parties were who made it, being only three in number, was afterwards condemned as "unfounded" by the report of a majority of nineteen; twenty two persons of the highest respectability connected with miningpersons of affluence and influence-having all subscribed their signatures to a resolution, "That the report made by the deputation from the Tyne was UNFOUNDED."

In the year 1816, Mr. Ryan submitted his "scheme," in its theory and practice, to the Society of Arts; where it was illustrated, and certified to, by the most respectable and direct testimony of those who had reaped the benefits of his system; and that, notwithstanding the defeat of his objects of humanity in the North, which was clearly laid bare before the Society, they honoured him with a reward of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS-and then added to this munificent award their LARGEST GOLD MEDAL; and, more than all, placed him in the honourable position of a FELLOW OF THEIR SOCIETY. See an important notice of these events, in a work on the coal-mines of Durham and Northumberland, by J. H. H. Holmes, Esq., F.S.A., published in 1816 by Baldwin & Co. Yours respectfully, Newcastle-on-Tyne, January 11, 1844.

T. HORN.

PUBLIC ROOMS FOR GATESHEAD.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE GATESHEAD Observer. SIR,-In so populous a town as Gateshead, a stranger is surprised to find, and a resident ashamed to acknowledge, the miserable apologies presented for certain PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, which, in other places, far inferior to Gateshead in extent and in importance, constitute the chief ornaments of the town. This discreditable (and yet so remediable) deficiency, is of course attributable to the close proximity of Gateshead to the "Metropolis of the North of England," as Newcastle may well be called; but, Sir, is such a state of things to last for ever? The "long, dirty lane, leading to Newcastle," is and for long has been undergoing metamorphosis; its relative importance is now very different from what it formerly was; and it behoves its leading men henceforward to direct SOME (if not the whole) of their wealth and influence, so as to enable Gates. head to keep pace with the many wants so very generally complained of. How are these demands on the part of the community to be gratified? Who are the parties that are anxious to see such (most unquestionable) improvements effected. And who are the parties that, by wealth and influence, are enabled to forward so laudable an end? Will one answer suffice for both these questions? I fear not. There are many amongst us who, no doubt, have it in their power to contribute substantially, and, strange to say, who feel keenly the wants so universally expressed, and who themselves actually complain!

but, from a too great diffidence-in some cases even culpable-
they shrink from taking the initiative. Now may this barrier
to the improvement of Gateshead not be overcome? By union
may we not both multiply resources and divide responsibility?
Such seems to be the only means we have of attaining our ends.
Two or three of our institutions, shabby in appearance and
deficient in accommodation-as our DISPENSARY, MECHANICS'
INSTITUTE, &c.-have more or less money in hand, which
assuredly could not be better employed. Their committees will
perhaps be public-spirited enough to discuss this vitally impor-
tant matter, and, if they please, to cooperate with each other,
and with a variety of other parties, who would heartly join
them. The thing only requires a beginning-and it is done.
In the hope that others, more competent than your present
correspondent, may be induced, now that the ice is broken, to
make your columns the arena for an open consideration of the
subject, and, by striking, to keep the iron hot until the work is
finished,
I remain, Sir, yours obliged,
Friday, January 19, 1844.
E.

THE RIVER TYNE.
REPORT OF MR. WALKER, C.E., ON MESSRS. SMITH'S
QUAY.

THE River Committee met Jan. 19, at the Guildhall, Newcastle, (W. Armstrong, Esq., in the chair,) and received Mr. Walker's Report-which will be submitted to the Council at the ensuing quarterly meeting. It is as follows:

Report on the Line of Quay Wall and Embankment proposed to be constructed at Dent's Hole, by Messrs. Smith.

On the following points there is no difference of opinion:That Dent's Hole affords the best berths in the harbour for heavy vessels, and that it ought not to be injuriously interfered with.

That the river there being already narrow and curved, the tiers ought not to be projected further into the river, so as to interrupt the navigation of passing vessels more than they do at present.

That the roadway and stairs proposed to be made by Messrs. Smith, if an embankment be made by them, would be public improvements.

That an extension of Messrs. Smith's trade would be the probable consequence of an improvement and enlargement of their premises, and would, by the employment of more hands and more capital, be useful to the public, and particularly to the town of Newcastle.

Keeping in view the general agreement on the main points, I hope to show that there is really no difference as to the interests of the parties in working out the detail.

The witnesses in favour of the extended embankment, as last applied for by Messrs. Smith, state, as one of its advantages, that the tiers may, in consequence of it, be brought nearer to the shore than they are at present. Supposing, however, that no advantage is taken of this, and that they remain in their present position (which is as much as ought to be expected), then, adopting their opinion that the embankment will not prejudice the public occupation of Dent's Hole, and that Messrs. Smith would not object to bind themselves to this, there should be, in addition to the width of a keel for getting alongside the inner tier, a sufficient space between the tiers and the front of the new wall for at least one ship to lie to load and unload, if the premises are to be occupied as a commercial wharf, or to have her upper works repaired, if the premises are to be occu. pied as a shipbuilder's yard. This clear space in front of the wharf would probably be of more value to Messrs. Smith than the wharf itself: at least the wharf would be of little use, unless ships could get to it. Thus far the interests of both parties appear the same. Now, if we take 40 feet for the supposed ship, and 20 feet for the keel, it appears that 60 feet from the front of the new wharf to the inside of the tier will be about the proper width for the convenience of both parties. I do not mean that the 40 feet should be exclusively Messrs. Smith's, but that they should have the same use of it, for their purposes, as other owners similarly situated have of the river in front of their premises. The obstructions by vessels lying at their wharf should not extend beyond this, it being understood that the supposed 20 feet is to be for the convenience of vessels loading or unloading in the tiers.

Thus much for distance. Then if Messrs. Smith are to be at the expense of making the quay, I think the condition of

obliging them to erect mooring-posts and mooring-rings upon and in front of it, for mooring vessels in the tiers, should be dispensed with, as being likely both to annoy them and the public, by intercepting the passage inside the tiers. In so important a place as Dent's Hole, the Commissioners [the Corporation] should have their own moorings in the river, and the making fast to posts and rings upon Messrs. Smith's quay should be for temporary purposes only.

Having received from Mr. Thomas Smith, pilot-master, a correct plan, made at my request by Messrs. Sopwith & Scott, to show the position of the ships in their berths in Dent's Hole, I have, upon the principles above stated, laid down upon the accompanying copy of the plan, a line which is nowhere less than 60 feet distance from the inside of the main tier.* This line 1 beg to recommend; and if any modification of it be thought desirable, I would strongly advise that it be made upon principle, and without reference to lines formerly proposed, or to the engineers who have proposed them. The line I have drawn turns out to be nearly a medium between the proposals of Mr. Anderson and Mr. Brooks, but was laid down in the way I have stated without a reference to either of them.

I feel assured, after the best consideration [ can give to the subject, that there is nothing in the particular line I have recommended which will injuriously affect the general allinement of the river.

The excavation in front of the proposed quay, to at least 10 feet below low water, should, I think, be done at Messrs. Smith's cost. This will compensate in part for the diminution of the width of the water-way.

The moorings in the river should, I think, be laid down at the expense of the Commissioners.

The details, as to the roads, stairs, &c., I have not interfered with; and, in case that any agreement entered into between the parties be so made as to be legally binding and operative after the work shall be executed, will no doubt be committed to Mr. Clayton, and may safely be left in his hands. J. WALKER. 23, Great George-street, Westminster, Jan. 12, 1844. [Mr. Walker, as was anticipated, has taken the via mediaa "middle course." Messrs. Smith, we suspect, will decline the quay on the terms suggested.]

To give a regular line of wall, one of the tiers, the third downwards, has been altered by me to ships of 28 feet, in place of 30 feet beam, which keeps the inner ship of that tier 6 feet further out.

IRON SHIPS.

AMONG the new employments found for iron, the most useful of all metals, must be mentioned shipbuilding. Iron was first used about the year 1810 for the construction of vessels employed in canal and river navigation. After this, the first similar employment of this material occurred in 1820, when a steam-vessel called the Aaron Manby was constructed at the Horsley iron-works, and made the voyage between the capitals of England and France without unlading any part of her cargo. This vessel is still in good condition, although 22 years old, never having required any repairs to her hull. In 1825, a small iron steam-boat was placed on the river Shannon, where she is now employed, in good condition. In 1832, the Elburkah, an iron steam-vessel, built by Messrs. Macgregor, Laird, & Co., in Liverpool, made the voyage from that port to the coast of Africa, and twice ascended the river Niger. This successful experiment led to the construction of many other iron steamvessels. One builder, Mr. John Laird, of Birkenhead, near Liverpool, has built 45 iron vessels, of the aggregate burden of 12,600 tons. The total number launched since 1830 is said to exceed 150. The largest iron vessel yet finished, and in use, is the Guadaloupe, a steam-frigate of 788 tons, carrying 68. pounders, and belonging to the Mexican government; but her dimensions are insignificant when compared with those of the Great Britain, now building, and nearly finished, at Bristol.

.........

ft.

51

31

16

The length of this vessel, from her figure head to the taffrail, is 320 The breadth of beam The depth of her hold Her draught of water, when loaded, is calculated to be........ And her burden 3,500 tons. The engines will have a force equal to that of 1,000 horses, and will be used to keep in action, as the means of propulsion, an Archimedean screw. The draft of water will be seen not to exceed that of a first-class West Indiaman. At present, the vessel can only be considered as an experiment; and, should it fail, an abundance of ridicule will

no doubt be cast upon the projectors by men whose genius would hardly have sufficed for the invention of a wherry.

A great part of the steam navy of the East India Company consists of iron vessels, 25 of which are now in use in India, among which are the Nemesis, the Phlegethon, the Ariadne, and the Medusa-names well known to the British public, from the conspicuous part which the vessels have performed in the war with China.

The advantages of iron over timber, for naval architecture, are--the absence of "wear and tear" in the hull-no necessity for caulking or coppering-no possibilty of injury from dryrot-greater lightness and increased capacity-and, what is of even far more importance, greater safety. When a timberbuilt ship takes the ground with any violent shock, the whole frame-work of the vessel is strained, and in a measure dislocated; so that, by the mere buffeting of the waves, she will, in all probability, soon be made a complete wreck; but when an ironbuilt vessel strikes, however violent the blow, it is only the part that is brought into collision with the rocks that will be injured. The plan of building these ships in water-tight compartments then proves its efficacy; for should the injury amount even to the tearing away of plates, the resulting mischief will only be to fill with water that particular compartment of the vessel to which the injury has occurred, so that the ship will be scarcely less buoyant than before; and experience has shown that damage of this kind is easily repaired.

The first cost of iron vessels is somewhat, but not much, less than that of timber-built vessels: their comparative cheapness results from their greater durability: after years of constant employment they are found to be as sound and as clean as when first built. Their weight, upon which depends the displacement of water, is-as a general rule-three-fifths the weight of wooden vessels of the same capacity. The weight of metal used in proportion to the burden of the ship varies, of course, with the size. A sea-going iron steam vessel will take from nine to twelve cwts. of iron per ton register. Boats intended for river traffic, which do not require an equal degree of strength, of course take a less weight of metal.

The building of iron ships is fast becoming an important branch of national industry: it is one in which our mineral riches and our great mechanical skill will secure to us a virtual monopoly.-Porter's Progress of the Nation.

FREE TRADE.

ICHARD COBDEN, Esq., M.P. for Stockport,

T. P. THOMPSON, and ROBERT R. R. MOORE, Esq.,
MONDAY
will visit NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE on
NEXT, the 22d inst., and attend a MEETING of the
INHABITANTS of NEWCASTLE and GATESHEAD, in
the NEW MUSIC HALL, Nelson-street, in furtherance of the
Agitation for the Repeal of the Corn Laws, and especially of the
League Fund of £100,000.

The Chair to be taken at seven o'clock. Admission to the Body of the Hall, 1s.: to the Gallery, 6d. Tickets may be had of Messrs. FINLAY & CHARLTON, Mr. M. S. DODDS, Mr. W. S. PRINGLE, and Mr. R. FLETCHER, Booksellers, Newcastle; of Mr. DANIEL LIDDELL, Carliol-street; and at the offices of the Gateshead Observer, Tyne Mercury, and Northern Advertiser.

Ladies are respectfully invited to attend. The Proceeds, after paying the Expenses of the Meeting, will be applied to the League Fund.

There will be a SPECIAL TRAIN from NEW. CASTLE to NORTH SHIELDS after the Meeting.

A

THE CORN LAWS.

FREE TRADE MEETING will be held in the Assembly Room, George Tavern, King-street, NORTH SHIELDS, on WEDNESDAY NEXT, the 24th of January, 1844, at 7 o'clock in the Evening; when COLONEL T. P. THOMPSON and R. R. R. MOORE, Esq., a Deputation from the National Anti-Corn-Law League, will address the Meeting on the OBJECTS, OPERATIONS, and SUCCESS of that benevolent and powerful Association. The Chair will be taken by HENRY MITCALFE, Esq., M.P.

Ladies are respectfully and earnestly invited to attend. Admission Free: Reserved Seats, 6d.

ADDRESS OF THE GATESHEAD FREE

TRADE SOCIETY TO THEIR FRIENDS.

GENTLEMEN,-Messrs. COBDEN and BRIGHT

will not be able, owing to their numerous engagements, to attend Meetings both in Gateshead and in Newcastle, as they originally intended. An AGGREGATE MEETING will, however, be held in Newcastle, on MONDAY NEXT, the 22d inst., in the New Music Hall, at 7 o'clock in the evening. The main object of the Free Trade Meetings that are being held all over the country, at the present moment, is the realization of the £100,000 Fund-which it is important to complete, if possible, before the Meeting of Parliament, so as to have the ground clear for future operations.

Accordingly, we respectfully invite all those inhabitants of Gateshead, whose minds are made up that the Corn Laws ought to be repealed as soon as possible, to embrace the opportunity now afforded them, of helping to bring about that much desired and once almost-despaired-of event. Let them come and give, as they would not have the reflection hereafter, when the Corn Laws are repealed, that they approved of and rejoiced at the present agitation, and yet did nothing to help it on.

We hope to be able to announce a Gateshead Subscription. Contributions are received at the Observer office; where also Tickets for the Meeting are to be obtained, and any communications, addressed to our Secretary, will receive his best attention. Signed on behalf of the Gateshead Free Trade Society, W. H. BROCKETT, President. GEORGE CRAWSHAY, Secretary.

Gateshead, January 15, 1844.

On

The Gateshead Soup Kitchen is now open, and a list of the subscribers will be found in another column. comparing it with the Burgess Roll, we find the subscriptionlist woefully defective. We hope that "claims" to be "registered" will be sent in without further delay. No "objections" will be made to applicants, however small the subscriptions by which their claims to be enrolled are supported.

GATESHEAD MECHANICS INSTITUTE.-Dr. Emble ton, of Newcastle, on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Jan. 18 and 19, delivered two lectures before the members and their friends, in the town-hall, Oakwellgate, on "The Skull." The audiences were large, and highly gratified. Dr. Embleton is indeed a very agreeable and popular lecturer. He seldom uses a technical word-(never unnecessarily); and-when he cannot avoid one-he pauses to explain its meaning. His explanation of the architecture of the skull, and his exhibition of the evidences which it affords of the wisdom and goodness of its divine author, were deeply interesting. Every one readily understood the subject of the lectures, when placed before the mind so lucidly, and Dr. Embleton was frequently and warmly applauded. The thanks of the institution were voted to him by acclamation, on Wednesday evening, on the motion of Mr. Dr. Cornelius Garbutt, seconded by Mr. John Fawcett. Embleton, we understand, will shortly deliver a lecture on "The Spine."

UMBRELLA.-An article which, from the morality of society, you may steal from friend or foe, and which, for the same reason, you should not lend to either, but should borrow whenever you can.

What is the definition of the word "drunkard?"-A man who has drunk hard.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, NEWCASTLE. THE annual meeting was held (Jan. 26) in the Merchants Court, (JOSEPH LAMB, Esq., President, in the chair). The following Report was read, adopted, and ordered to be printed: "During the last year few subjects have been brought under the consideration of the Chamber, and none of much importance. A memorial was transmitted to the Commissioners of Customs, praying that the Collector and Comptroller of this port might be invested with power to grant permission for the delivery of cargoes, in certain cases, for a limited time beyond the regular hours-an accommodation granted to Liverpool, and, we believe, to some other of the principal ports in the kingdom. This application was not, however, complied with-owing, it may be supposed, to the frauds which have recently been brought to light in custom-house transactions in London, which have had the effect of causing the Board to restrict rather than relax any rule for the government of their officers.

"A petition was presented to the House of Commons, praying that Mr. Rowland Hill's plan for postoffice improvement might, at the earliest opportunity, be carried into full and complete operation; and this measure, so important to the commercial and general correspondence of the kingdom, your Committee have every reason to hope will soon be conceded to the ardent wishes of the public.

"Another petition was presented to the Commons' House of Parliament, praying that the oversea duty on coals, affecting so seriously the interests of this port, might forthwith be repealed. And here, it may be proper to observe, that a duty of 5d. per ton, or 134d. per chaldron, is proposed to be levied, for local improvements, on the importation of coals into London-a duty which obviously must be injurious to this district, and which it will be incumbent on the Chamber to resist to the utmost of their power.

"Your Committee have had frequent complaints brought before them of the want of accommodation on the quay for the landing of perishable goods in wet weather-as well, indeed, as for the general facilities of business. Such complaints they have not the means of removing; but the subject having been referred to the consideration of the Trade Committee of the Town Council, it is confidently hoped that, with as little delay as possible, additional sheds will be erected, and the necessary accommodation afforded to the rising commerce of the town.

"An account of the receipts and expenditure for the year will be submitted to you. Our receipts amount to £122 18s. 5d.: expenditure, £245 8s. 10d. This disproportionate expenditure has been the result of circumstances not likely again to occur. The general balance in favour of the Chamber, is reduced from £425 14s. 7d., to £303 48. 5d."

Mr. BROCKETT proposed a resolution against the proposed additional tax on coal imported into London, and also against the existing export-duty, and moved that a memorial against both be presented to Ministers, and that the Committee be empowered, in case of need, to petition parliament against these duties.-Seconded by Mr. HINDHAUGH, and carried.

Mr. RAYNE hoped a general meeting would be held, so soon as the important measures which no doubt would be proposed to parliament became known.

The officers for the ensuing year were then elected, and the meeting terminated.

GATESHEAD MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.--Mr. Alderman Brockett's hint, thrown out at the annual meeting, has been acted upon by himself, and by Messrs. Alderman Pollock, Archibald Freeman, George Crawshay, John Brown, James Clephan, William Kell, Thomas Pringle, Young & Sons, and Caleb Calloway. Several books have thus been added to the library. We hope that the example of the donors will be "catching." Mr. James Wilson, of Hillgate, has also intimated his intention to present the Leeds Mercury to the institution, every Monday; and the Poor Law Commissioners have presented to the library Mr. Chadwick's "Supplementary Report on the Results of a Special Inquiry intothe Practice of Interment in Towns."- On Thursday evening next, as elsewhere announced, Dr. Nicholson, of Newcastle, will deliver a lecture to the members and their friends, on "The Theory of Dreams," in the townhall, Oakwellgate, which, we doubt not, will be very attractive. On Tuesday of the succeeding week, Mr. Hewitson, Dean-street, optician, will commence a short course on the intricate, but interesting science of Optics; and from Mr. H.'s well-known abilities as a lecturer, together with his familiarity with this subject, and the excellent apparatus he can command, his lectures are expected to be very popular.

GATESHEAD MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.-On Thursday, Feb. 1, Dr. Nicholson delivered his lecture on the Theory of Dreams, in the townhall, Oakwellgate, (Henry Brady, Esq., V.P., in the chair). The room was crowded (uncomfortably so) on the occasion. A large portion of the company consisted of ladies; and we were glad to see present several of our principal families. Dr. N. was listened to throughout with marked atten

tion; and at the close, a vote of thanks was proposed in complimentary terms, by W. Kell, Esq., and awarded by the company with enthusiastic applause.- -On Tuesday evening, Mr. Hewitson will deliver his first lecture on Optics. The room in the townhall not being large enough for the "dissolving views," the long-room of the Grey Horse has been taken for this lecture; and (to cover expenses) it is intended to make a small charge for the admission of non-members, as announced in the advertisement.

GATESHEAD FREE TRADE SOCIETY.-The Society met on Monday, the 29th of January, at the Half Moon inn, at 8 o'clock, (Mr. J. Fawcett in the chair). The money not previously paid-in to the Treasurer, for the Gateshead subscription at the great meeting in Newcastle, was now handed over to him, and a list of the subscribers prepared for insertion in the League paper. Messrs. D. Hobkirk and R. C. Wilson were elected members.

Mr. T. Pringle was appointed assistantsecretary.-Adjourned to Feb. 12.

Showing an increase in 1843 of........£61,284 The increase is owing to the export-duty on coal, and the import duty on corn and sugar-the increase on sugar alone having amounted last year to £22,000. In the import-duties on other goods, there has been a falling-off in amount, owing to the reductions of the tariff.

To show the progress of the custom-house transactions in the port of Newcastle, we now give a table of the receipts of customs-duties there for the last nineteen years :1835... £289,508 1836..

1825... £355,751

1826......

367,411

307,274

1827.

354,151

1828....

1829..

1830..

1831.

1832.

1833.

1834....

The numbers of cargoes (in the foreign trade), entered inwards and outwards in the years 1842 and 1843, were as follows:

1842. 612 4,224

1843. 708 4,008

Increase. Decrease. 196

Inwards.... Outwards 216* In inward cargoes, it thus appears, there has been an increase of upwards of thirty per cent., whereas the outward shipments have experienced a decline to the extent of five per cent. The former is attributed to the corn-laws and tariff; and the latter, in some degree, to the circumstance of a larger number of vessels than usual having cleared out with coals in the early part of 1842, in order to avoid the coal-duty which became payable in July.

In 1842, the number and tonnage of vessels registered in the port of New. castle were.

THE GATESHEAD TOWN COUNCIL.

ALDERMEN.

p Barras, John

p Brockett, W. H. p Pollock, James

Sowerby, G.

P WILLIAM KENMIR, Esq., Mayor. COUNCILLORS. p Hymers, Jas. p Bertram, C. Kent, Samuel p Cummins, T.

Dunn, Charles

p Edward, J.

p Wilson, Thos. p Garbutt, C. p Davis, Robert

Robson, D. p Robson, J.

Smith, James Sowerby, T.

p Wilson, J. R. p Wylam, Ralph

p Lister, J., sen. Lister, J., jun. p Potts, John p Revely, T. [Those marked p were present.] THE TOWN CLERK, at the quarterly meeting of Wednesday, Feb. 7, having read the minutes of the previous meeting, the MAYOR read a Report from the Watch Comittee, in which there was nothing of public importance. On the motion of Mr. WYLAM, Seconded by Mr. BERTRAM, it was received and confirmed.

Ald. BROCKETT presented a Report from the Railway, ByeLaw, and Parliamentary Committee, setting forth that notices had been served upon the Town Clerk respecting four intended applications to parliament for acts more or less affecting the borough, viz., an act to make a railway-station for the New. castle and Darlington line, with approaches; and acts to cross the Tyne by the three bridges respectively devised by Messrs. J. & B. Green, Mr. Grainger, and Mr. Dobson, (the plans of the last named gentleman comprising a scheme to connect the Brandling Junction with the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway). The plans, &c., had been lodged with Mr. Stobart, the parishclerk, who had most courteously lent them to the Town Clerk, for the inspection of the Committee and the Council, (and, during the meeting, they were lying on the table). The Report proceeded to show how each of the several projects, 1, 2, 3, 4, would affect the borough:

1. The railway-station and approaches would interfere with the footpath in Greene's Field, the public roads from Halt Moon-lane to the top of Bankwell-stairs, a branch road westward, Pipewellgate, and Bridge-street. The police-station at the end of the bridge would have to be entirely removed.

2. Messrs. Green's high-level bridge, 200 feet west of Tynebridge, and 85 feet above high-water mark, was intended to proceed from the entrance-gateway of the house lately occupied by Mr. E. Graham (and now by Mr. H. J. Wilson) to the Castle-garth, Newcastle. It would cross the road leading west from Bankwell-top at a height above it of 29 feet, and Pipewellgate at a height of 75 feet.

3. Mr. Grainger's would be built upon the existing bridge, at a height above the parapet of 574 feet. The southern approach would be by an embankment commencing near the northern end of West-street. There would also be another approach in Gateshead, from the road in front of Mr. H. J. Wil. son's house. Half Moon-lane was to be widened by the removal of buildings on each side. The plan involved the removal of the police-station near the bridge.

4. Mr. Dobson proposed to extend the Brandling Junction Railway by a north-westerly sweep, to the Tyne at Todd's-quay, and thence by a bridge (110 feet above high-water mark) to Neville-street, so as to connect the Brandling Junction and the Newcastle and Carlisle Railways. Half Moon-lane was to be widened, somewhat as in No. 3, but to a greater extent.

On the motion of Ald. B., seconded by Mr. CUMMINS, the Report was received; with an understanding that the subject should be further considered, when it was seen which of the four projects made their way into parliament.

Ald. BROCKETT presented a second Report from the Committee, stating that the memorial to Sir Robert Peel, on behalf of a legislative measure for the examination of masters and mates of merchant vessels, had been acknowledged by Mr. Macgregor, of the Board of Trade, with an intimation that any suggestions on the subject would be received and considered. The Committee recommended that the Council wait the introduction of the bill which the Government, it was understood, had prepared, and then take its several clauses into consideration.-Agreed to.

Mr. REVELY presented a Report from the Town Improvement Committee, comprising the "opinion" of Mr. Baines on the "case" submitted for his consideration; and also stating that the new toll-house on the Windmill-hills encroached on the Stoney Flats watering-place; that the Bensham wateringplace had been filled up, planted, and enclosed, by (it was understood) Mr. Abraham Dawson, who paid no attention to a letter addressed to him on the subject; that the collectors of street-act assessment had paid-in £966 7s. 7d., being the

whole sum realized by the rate of 1843; that £19 8s. 8d. remained in arrear, which the Committee recommended the Council to obtain (if possible) by summons; and they also recommended that the collectors receive 5d. in the pound for their remuneration.-On the motion of Mr. REVELY, the Report was received and confirmed, and a portion of Mr. Baines's "opinion" was ordered to be advertised in the Gateshead Observer. (See our first page.)

The Town CLERK informed the Council that the indictment preferred against the Brandling Junction Railway Company, founded on the nuisance arising from their three leaky viaducts in the borough, had been returned into court at the quarter-sessions a true bill. He was not aware that anything had yet been done to abate the nuisance.

Mr. REVELY presented a second Report from the Town Improvement Committee, stating that certain accounts had been examined, and recommending that they be paid. Seconded by Mr. JOSEPH ROBSON, and carried.

Mr. CUMMINS presented a Report from the Lighting Committee-of which the principal feature was a recommendation that the new road over the Windmill-hills be lighted with gas, in compliance with an application to that effect, if the Gas Company would lay down the necessary pipes.

The motion that the Report be received and confirmed was seconded by Mr. BERTRAM, and passed; and then the question was raised whether or not the road was public or private-on which a difference of opinion was expressed. Mr. REVELY complained that an old road had been altered, and this new one made, without any legal authority; and that a path had been stopped, which compelled him to go roundabout, and walk 40 yards further than before. Ald. POLLOCK and others were of opinion that the alteration was for the better; to which it was replied, that even if it were so, no man, or set of men, had a right to stop up an old road, before leave to do so was legally obtained. The discussion was brought to a close by a notice of motion from Ald. BROCKETT, that the motion be rescinded at the next meeting, unless it were shown to be in accordance with the resolution of the Council that private property be not lighted at the cost of the borough. Meanwhile, on the proposition of Ald. BARRAS, seconded by Ald. POLLOCK, the motion of Mr. Cummins to remain inoperative.

Ald. POLLOCK presented a Report of the Finance Committee, recommending that a borough-rate be made of a halfpenny in the pound, and moved its confirmation. Seconded by Ald. DAVIS.

A conversation followed between Mr. JOSEPH ROBSON and the TOWN CLERK. The watch-rate, it appears, is only levied upon those parties of the borough which have a day and night police; but, when collected, it is added to the borough-fund; and from this fund the police-expenses are paid. Thus, therefore, the whole of the borough is to some extent burdened with the expense of the police-granting (which is the case) that the watch-rate does not cover the cost. The consequence is, that the inhabitants of the outlying portions of the borough are dissatisfied. They are annoyed by racing, gambling, &c., on the Sabbath-day, there being no police to suppress the nuisance; and (so we understood Mr. Robson) they would rather be brought under the operation of the watch rate, than lack the advantage of the police.

The Alderman's motion was carried; and Mr. Robson was added to the Finance Committee, that he might acquire a closer knowledge of the financial affairs of the borough.

Mr. POTTS presented a Report from the Corporation Quay Committee, stating that Messrs. Haggie's offer of the fixtures had been declined; that those gentlemen still neglected to account for the receipts of the quay; and that Messrs. William Hymers & Co. continued to withhold the completion of their account of chalk landed thereupon.

Ald. WILSON presented a Report from the Committee "appointed to meet a Committee of three, to be appointed by the Boroughholders and Freemen, to endeavour to effect an amicable arrangement of the questions relative to the Borough Property."

"On the 26th of December last, they met Messrs. William Hymers, William Kenmir, and John Lister, the Committee appointed by the Boroughholders and Freemen, and proposed that the whole question should be submitted to the arbitration of some gentleman of station and character, not being a practising lawyer:-the submission to be by rule of court, or by such other means as would most effectually bind all the parties, and at the least expense.