acquainted with that gentleman till they met on this subject, as stated in the report. He had seen what had been put in print concerning this interview, and he felt bound to say that the printed version was as correct as words could make it. [General applause].
The Funeral. — A letter was afterwards received by the Solicitor of the Ports to the effect that the Barons would be represented in the procession of the Duke of Wellington’s funeral by the attendance of a deputation of four persons in one carriage, and that seats would be provided for such of the Mayors as were not included in the deputation, as well as for seven persons representing the remaining corporate members of the Two Ancient Towns and Members thereof. The seats here indicated were to be in St. Paul’s Cathedral. The question next arose as to who were to occupy a place in the procession, and this was determined at a meeting held at Rye on the 28th of October. They were to be the Mayors of Hastings, Sandwich, Dover and New Romney. The Mayor of Rye (strange to say, after his previous conduct) claimed the right, as Speaker, to be one in the procession, but this was properly negatived by the voting. The four mayors thus selected rode in the seventh carriage as numbered in the procession, and in the Cathedral seats were provided for all the mayors of the Cinque Ports and their adjuncts. To the Mayor of Hastings (T. Hickes, Esq.) was mainly due the full recognition of the Ports and their allies, whilst to the Mayor of Rye (E. S. Banks, Esq.) belonged the discourtesy — to use a mild term — of which the people of Rye could not be proud.
The Pierwardens Account — to go back to the meeting on the 1st of October — it showed a balance in hand of only £8 5s. 9d., and it was stated that if the suggested reduction of stade dues had been made there would have been a deficit of £14.
The Stade Dues — The Stone-beach Committee recommended a reduction of the stade dues from 10s. to 5s. on vessels under 60 tons, which would include all except colliers. Ald. Emary said that unless the reduction were made (which would require an alteration of the bye-laws) the coasting vessels would be beaten by the railway, and would cease to sail altogether. Coun. Williams said the railway had been complained of for its high rates and imperfect accommodation; but, as the South-Eastern railway at Ramsgate and Margate had to contend with steamboats, the rates charged in those towns were lower. — Referred to Committee.
Sea Wall. — Resolved that the sea-wall from Claremont road to the Infirmary be raised from zero up to two feet, at an estimate of £84 14s. be proceeded with.
A Borough Rate at 3½d in the pound had been figured as being necessary, and the same was agreed upon, the previous rate had been fivepence.
The General Map. — Coun. Williams moved that the expense of the general map of the borough, be paid out of the borough rate, arguing that as a municipal body, they had a right to a municipal map, and that although the map preparing by Mr. Gant had been ordered under different circumstances, now that it was to be a borough map it ought to be treated as such. In the first instance, -
